After being listed as questionable following Friday’s practice, Steelers cornerback Joe Haden will return Sunday afternoon against the Titans at Heinz Field. Haden missed the past four weeks since leaving the Lions game early with a foot injury.
That should be a big boost for a secondary that had started James Pierre, then Ahkello Witherspoon in Haden’s place. Witherspoon had two interceptions last week against the Vikings, and if he’s more involved, it could allow usual starter Cam Sutton to kick inside in the slot.
Haden was a full participant Friday after being limited Thursday, though he didn’t practice at all Wednesday to start the week.
Another reinforcement is also coming for a Steelers front that’s in need of a much better performance. Carlos Davis, a second-year defensive lineman, is active for the first time since the season opener. He might even play the bulk of the snaps at nose tackle against the Titans at Heinz Field, given that Montravius Adams is on the COVID-19 list and Isaiah Buggs is out with an ankle injury.
Davis, a 2020 seventh-round pick, played 20% of the defensive snaps Week 1 in Buffalo, 17 total. He’s been sidelined with a knee injury ever since, but the Steelers activated him off injured reserve earlier this month.
A unit coming off a Vikings loss in which they allowed a season-high 242 yards rushing needs any help it can get. The 6-foot-2, 320-pound Davis probably won’t make anyone forget Casey Hampton, or even Tyson Alualu, but Mike Tomlin did mention him as a standout early in training camp.
With Davis back in the mix, the Steelers’ defensive linemen Sunday are Cam Heyward, Chris Wormley, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Henry Mondeaux and Davis. Inactive for the Steelers in addition to Buggs are No. 3 quarterback Dwayne Haskins, running back Anthony McFarland, tight end Kevin Rader and inside linebacker Buddy Johnson. Johnson was ruled out Friday with a foot injury.
Former Steelers pass-rusher Bud Dupree is active for the Titans one day after coming off injured reserve. His primary backup is Ola Adeniyi, who also left the Steelers this offseason in free agency.
Brian Batko: bbatko@post-gazette.com and Twitter @BrianBatko.
First Published: December 19, 2021, 4:44 p.m.
