Stephon

Tuitt

Tuitt was in the NFL for eight seasons but missed the entirety of his final year while away from the team. He left after his brother was tragically struck and killed by a car during OTAs last offseason. Injuries also took a toll on him during the final years of his tenure. Tuitt was a strong starter throughout his career and posted his best season in 2020, tallying 11 sacks and 10 TFLs. He notched 34.5 sacks and 48 TFLs across 91 games, all of which came in Pittsburgh.

The issue here isn’t the knee injury that sent Tuitt to IR early in the season, but instead his mental state after his brother was struck and killed by a car during OTAs last offseason. “The Steelers never clarified why Tuitt missed the entire season and never spoke about his absence other than to say he was dealing with personal issues, leaving a lot up to speculation. They have said they expect Tuitt to return this year, but nothing more detailed than that, and that’s likely on purpose,” Kaboly writes. The Steelers could save $9 million against the cap with a post-June release of Tuitt, which certainly could be on the table if his desire to play remains in question.

Tuitt did not practice at any point in the offseason so this move doesn’t come as much of a surprise. He will miss at least three games, as will running back Anthony McFarland and offensive lineman Zach Banner. They used the three roster spots to sign offensive linemen Rashaad Coward and B.J. Finney and cornerback Arthur Maulet. Tuitt is coming off a career year that saw him hit 11 sacks and 10 TFLs. At 27 years old, Tuitt should still have a few prime years left if he comes off injured reserve unscathed.

The team converted $7.925 million of Tuitt’s 2021 base salary into a signing bonus, creating $6.34 million in immediate cap space. He most recently posted a career-high 11 sacks in his age-27 season with Pittsburgh last year.

Tuitt missed Week 12 in COVID protocols. His return upgrades the Steelers’ pass rush, with Tuitt posting a career best seven sacks in 10 games this season. Tuitt is also on pace for career highs in forced fumbles (2), QB Hits (18), and TFLs (7).

He needs surgery and will be placed on injured reserve. It’s a big blow to a defense that was carrying the Steelers, as Tuitt is equally great at stopping the run and pushing the pocket from the interior. 26-year-old Tuitt has three years left on his contract and will be healed in time for a mostly regular offseason in 2020.

Tuitt is going to get an MRI to confirm the injury and plot out the next course of action. His absence would be brutal news to the interior of the Steelers defense. Overall, Tuitt has earned PFF’s No. 6 highest grade among 126 qualified interior defenders this season.

Tuitt suffered a pectoral injury in the first quarter of the Steelers’ Sunday night matchup against the Chargers and won’t return. His absence is great news for Philip Rivers, who was under immense pressure for virtually the entire first half.

It is Tuitt’s second missed game in a row. His absence weakens what had been a stout run defense. He will be joined on the sidelines by RT Marcus Gilbert (knee), QB Mason Rudolph, WR Justin Hunter, S Marus Allen, OT Zach Banner, and LB Matthew Thomas.

Tuitt missed Week 11 after suffering his elbow injury Week 10, and he’s still feeling some of the effects. Tuitt is hopeful that he can play Week 12. Tuitt is Pro Football Focus’ No. 9 ranked interior defensive lineman against the run.