Steelers Face Major Defensive Challenges Against Colts Amid Multiple Injuries

The Pittsburgh Steelers have elevated running backs Trey Sermon and Lew Nichols from their practice squad ahead of their Week 9 game against the Indianapolis Colts, primarily to bolster special teams rather than offensive plays. The team faces significant defensive challenges, as starting linebacker Cole Holcomb and starting safety Chuck Clark are out due to illness, adding to injuries that have sidelined key defensive players like DeShon Elliott and Jabrill Peppers. Holcomb's absence weakens the linebacker unit, with Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson expected to fill in, while the safety group is stretched thin, relying heavily on Juan Thornhill, Kyle Dugger, and possibly newly signed Darrick Forrest. Peppers, a vital safety and special teams contributor, is out with a quad injury, further complicating the Steelers' defensive depth against the Colts' potent offense. These losses come as Pittsburgh prepares to face one of the league's most efficient offenses, particularly challenging given the Steelers' struggles with run defense and overall defensive consistency this season.