Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Expresses Concern Over Cornerback Cory Trice Jr.’s Worsening Injury and Provides Update on Russell Wilson’s Physical Fitness Ahead of Upcoming Matchup
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ coaching staff is facing growing concerns over the health of rookie cornerback Cory Trice Jr. as Head Coach Mike Tomlin revealed the player’s injury is deteriorating, adding to the team’s injury woes just ahead of their crucial matchups in the 2024 season. Additionally, Coach Tomlin commented on the physical condition of Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, describing the veteran signal-caller as “not physically fit” following the latest round of on-field evaluations.
In his weekly press conference, Coach Tomlin provided an update on Trice, who was initially sidelined due to a knee injury sustained during the Steelers’ Week 3 game. While the injury was initially described as minor, Tomlin’s recent comments suggest the issue is more severe than originally anticipated. Trice, a promising second-year cornerback out of Purdue, was expected to contribute significantly to the team’s defense this season, particularly as the Steelers sought to bolster their secondary after a series of roster changes.
“It’s disappointing, but we have to be honest with ourselves about where Cory is at right now,” Tomlin said. “His injury has worsened over the course of the week. We’re trying to manage it, but it’s not trending in a positive direction. It’s tough for him and tough for us because we had high expectations for him to contribute this year. We’re going to have to make some adjustments in the secondary moving forward.”
Trice, who had been making a name for himself during the offseason, is considered a key piece of the Steelers’ young defensive backfield. With the loss of Trice, the team will likely lean more heavily on established veterans like Cameron Sutton and Levi Wallace, both of whom will need to step up in the absence of the rookie corner.
Tomlin’s comments about Trice’s worsening condition came as a stark reminder of the physical toll the NFL season can have on players. The Steelers have already faced multiple injuries this season, including key losses on both sides of the ball, and the situation with Trice adds another layer of concern for Pittsburgh as they prepare for an important stretch of games.
Meanwhile, Coach Tomlin also addressed the status of Russell Wilson ahead of the Steelers’ upcoming matchup with the Denver Broncos. Wilson, who has faced scrutiny over his performance and conditioning in recent seasons, was described by Tomlin as “not physically fit” when asked about the veteran quarterback’s readiness for the game.
“Russell is an experienced guy, and we respect him as a player, but let’s just say he’s not exactly in peak physical condition right now,” Tomlin explained. “We’ve been watching the tape, and while he’s still got that mental edge, the physical component just doesn’t seem to be where it needs to be for him to be at his best. That’s going to be a key focus for us when we face Denver.”
Wilson, 35, has struggled with consistency in recent seasons after joining the Broncos in 2022. The quarterback has faced challenges in getting back to his Pro Bowl form, and concerns about his fitness have continued to grow after a subpar 2023 campaign. Despite these questions, Wilson’s experience and leadership are not to be underestimated, especially in high-pressure games.
Tomlin and his coaching staff will certainly be keeping a close eye on Wilson’s performance leading up to the game, particularly in terms of his mobility and arm strength. For the Steelers, any signs of vulnerability from Wilson could be a key to their defensive strategy, which has been one of their strengths so far this season.
As the Steelers’ injury concerns continue to mount, Coach Tomlin remains focused on adjusting and adapting his team to the challenges ahead. With the AFC playoff race heating up, Pittsburgh’s depth will be tested, and the health of players like Cory Trice Jr. will be critical as the team looks to stay competitive in the highly contested AFC North division. Meanwhile, any potential weaknesses in Russell Wilson’s physical condition could play a decisive role when the Steelers face off against the Broncos in Week 7.
