Points will likely come at a premium when the Pittsburgh Steelers welcome the visiting Los Angeles Chargers to town on Sunday afternoon.
Opponents have yet to figure out how to break through against either team, with Los Angeles (2-0) allowing the fewest points per game in the NFL (6.5) through the first two weeks of the season. Pittsburgh ranks second in that category, yielding an average of 8.0 points.
“Outstanding,” Los Angeles coach Jim Harbaugh said of the Steelers’ defense. “One of the best front sevens in football, and elite in the coverage area as well.”
Cutting through Pittsburgh’s secondary could be that much tougher for the Chargers if quarterback Justin Herbert isn’t able to play. Herbert told reporters Friday that he sustained a high-ankle sprain in last weekend’s victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Herbert is listed as questionable and said he was unsure if he will play Sunday. If he can’t suit up, Easton Stick would start under center.
And Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin is keeping a close eye on Los Angeles’ injury report.
“I don’t speculate and read stuff on Tuesday, it’s a waste of time,” Tomlin said. “Participation, or lack thereof, is what gets my attention.”
Tomlin is more focused on his own quarterback room. Justin Fields was the Steelers’ field general for Weeks 1 and 2, and Pittsburgh (2-0) is preparing to start him once again on Sunday as Russell Wilson continues to work through a calf issue.
Wilson was a limited participant in Friday’s practice and is listed as questionable.
Fields most recently completed 13 of 20 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Steelers’ 13-6 victory over the Denver Broncos last Sunday.
“He loves to compete,” Tomlin said of Fields. “He’s got a quiet confidence about him. He doesn’t change in environments. There’s a clarity in his communication, in his response to communication, that’s really comfortable.”
If Tomlin’s words ring true, Fields should be able to stay composed in front of a raucous crowd that is expected to be on hand for Pittsburgh’s home opener.
The Chargers fared well in a hostile environment last Sunday, crushing the Carolina Panthers 26-3 in Charlotte. J.K. Dobbins rushed for 131 yards and a score on 17 carries, while Herbert went for 130 yards, two TDs and a pick on 14-of-20 passing.
A lot of the success in the running game can be attributed to Los Angeles offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who frequently went up against the Steelers during his two stints on the Baltimore Ravens’ coaching staff (2006-07 and 2017-22).
“Greg Roman’s gone against the Steelers, Steelers have gone against Greg Roman,” Harbaugh said. “There’s experience on both sides.”
Roman’s offense could be without wide receiver Joshua Palmer (elbow/calf) for the meeting with Pittsburgh, as Palmer didn’t practice all week and is questionable. Linebackers Junior Colson (hamstring) is out and Bud Dupree (illness), a former Steeler, is questionable. Star linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) returned to full practice on Friday.
Pittsburgh guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) and tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee) didn’t practice all week and were ruled out of Week 3 on Friday. Offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (knee) is questionable.
