Mike Tomlin Press Conference: Mason Rudolph update, Jaylen Samuels out multiple weeks
Tomlin took to the podium Tuesday for his weekly press conference, focusing on thing things - The Steelers' loss to Baltimore, the team's injury report, and moving ahead to Los Angeles.
The focus turned quickly to the Steelers' lengthy list of significant injuries. As Tomlin gave his usual injury report, the names that began to surface sparked more concern for Pittsburgh.
The list included Steven Nelson, Jaylen Samuels and Mason Rudolph. Tomlin kept his word short on Nelson, who's dealing with a groin injury, saying he doesn't know how severe the injury is at this point.
Jaylen Samuels' injury will keep the running back sidelined for 'roughly a month' Tomlin says. After injuring his knee in Week 5, Samuels underwent an arthroscopic scope on Monday, and is dealing with a knee sprain.
Tomlin says the Steelers will look for a replacement at running back through their practice squad. This could mean Trey Edmunds, Terrell Edmunds' brother, is called up to be Pittsburgh's third running back.
Bennie Snell Jr. will also see an increased role with Samuels' absence. The rookie out of Kentucky hasn't seen more than a handful of snaps this season, but Tomlin believes he's ready to take on a bigger role.
"I believe that he is. I know that he's chopping at the bit to be a contributor," Tomlin said. "He's a high-energy young guy. He's been highly productive in special teams, and usually production in special teams is an indication of offensive and defensive readiness."
Tomlin also addressed Mason Rudolph's concussion following Sunday's hit from Earl Thomas that knocked Rudolph unconscious on the field. Rudolph left Heinz Field during the third quarter and was evaluated at a local hospital. He was reportedly released Sunday night, and was scene in the locker room on Monday.
"Mason Rudolph is in the concussion protocol," Tomlin said. "He was in the building yesterday, he appears to be doing fine just in terms of communicating with him. But obviously I won't have a lot of details in terms of where he is in the protocol."
Tomlin said he doesn't have a timetable for Rudolph's return, looking at the situation as, "he's available to us when he's available to us."
If Rudolph is to miss time, the Steelers will turn to Devlin Hodges to start his first NFL game. Hodges is an undrafted rookie, who went 7-9 for 68 yards in one quarter on Sunday.
And as for the rumors of Tomlin being labeled one of the 'top targets' for the Washington Redskin's head coaching job. Tomlin made it clear that he isn't focusing on anything other than the team he has now.
"I'm the head coach of a 1-4 football team that's going on the road to play a Hall-of-Fame quarterback with a third-string quarterback," Tomlin said. "Do you think I'm worried about anything other than that?"
