The Pittsburgh Steelers took another hit to an already-thin secondary on Sunday night. Cornerback Darius Slay was ruled out for the remainder of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers with a concussion, according to multiple reports. Slay left in the second quarter following a collision and did not return. He will now enter the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Pittsburgh had been juggling pieces on the back end for weeks, and Slay’s exit only tightened the screws on defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. The Chargers dictated tempo for long stretches, leaning on quick throws and shot plays to stress Pittsburgh’s coverage schemes. This strategy was effective even before Slay’s injury; after he left, Los Angeles continued to test single coverage and intermediate windows.
The live box score reflected the Chargers’ efficiency in the red zone and on key downs—exactly the areas where Slay’s poise and route recognition usually help steady the Steelers’ defense. With Slay sidelined, Pittsburgh’s margin for error shrank considerably.
On offense, Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers tried to answer with methodical drives, but field position and penalties made progress difficult. The team needed splash plays from its pass rush to change momentum, but Justin Herbert’s timing and protection limited those opportunities.
In a close, one-score game, this could be manageable. However, against a rolling offense in prime time, these challenges compound and become more problematic.
Looking ahead, Slay’s availability remains uncertain. Concussions require a step-by-step return process with no set timetable, so his status will depend on how symptoms evolve throughout the week. With the schedule tightening and opponents likely to target Pittsburgh’s cornerback depth, the Steelers may need to employ more dime packages with safety help over the top. Additionally, a heavier reliance on disguised pressures could help protect the weakened secondary.
The Steelers face a critical stretch, and how they adjust defensively will be key to maintaining competitiveness moving forward.
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