Mike Tomlin and the Steelers started the 2025 season with a decisive comeback win, no doubt. But there’s no denying their defense wasn’t up to the mark in the season opener against the Jets. For starters, the Steelers allowed 394 yards, 182 rushing yards on 39 carries, and held the ball for just 25:17 in comparison to the Jets’ 34-43. The final score was in Pittsburgh’s favor, no doubt.

But the writing was on the wall: this defense needs some amendment heading deep into the season to make its presence felt. It could have started with the Week 2 showdown against the Seahawks. But instead, the injury bug bit them even before the first quarter wrapped up. Isaiahh Loudermilk has been ruled out for the Week 2 game after he went down with an ankle injury, per reports.

If the reports are anything to go by, the defensive lineman actually picked up that ankle injury pretty early on—right in the first quarter, to be exact—during the very same sequence when Seahawks’ rookie wideout Tory Horton hauled in a 21-yard dime from Sam Darnold for a touchdown. According to Steelers Senior Director of Communications Burt Lauren, the veteran DL is unlikely to return for the rest of the game.

“Steelers DT Isaiahh Loudermilk is questionable to return to today’s game with an ankle injury,” he shared via his ‘X’ handle. But before we dive deep into his injury complication, let’s learn how Loudermilk’s absence could hurt the Steelers. Pittsburgh’s defense let Seattle break a two-season drought, giving up their first opening-drive touchdown in 22 games. Coming back to Loudermilk’s injury, the DL suffered an apparent ankle injury in the first quarter.

And in his absence, the Steelers’ defense has surely taken a setback. The reason? The veteran has been with the Steelers throughout his NFL career. He has started at least 11 games in each of his four seasons (59 games total). Plus, it’s the second injury for the D-line in recent times. Earlier, the first-round draft pick, Derrick Harmon, suffered an MCL sprain in the preseason finale and has been sidelined ever since.

Which naturally makes you wonder: How will the Steelers move forward with injuries piling up on the defensive line? Because it’s not just the only injury we’re reporting as of now.

Mike Tomlin and the Steelers to utilize Yahya Black

Amidst Isaiahh Loudermilk’s injury, the Steelers also suffered the loss of edge rusher Alex Highsmith on their defense against the Seahawks. But this was already coming, if we’re being real. The sixth-year veteran hurt his ankle during Friday’s practice, but eventually suited up for the game against Darnold’s offense. Fast forward to a few moments in the game, and he left the field with the same injury.

That said, Highsmith is now unlikely to return for the rest of the game. Long story short: the Steelers’ defense is bruised at the moment. The silver lining, though? It’s the fifth-rounder of the most recent draft, Yahya Black. In Loudermilk’s absence after his right ankle injury, the rookie is expected to get more meaningful snaps in Mike Tomlin’s team.

The reasoning is simple: Black is a massive DT (6 ft 6 in and 336 pounds). And yes, he has quickly tuned heads in the Steel City, establishing himself as an impact player. Sure, Daniel Ekuale and Logan Lee are also expected to complement the Steelers’ defensive line amidst injury complications. But we can expect Black to step up in crucial times amidst Loudermilk’s and Harmon’s injuries.