Feared serious, knee injury to Steelers rookie Kevin Dotson is not significant

Mike Tomlin opened his post-practice virtual news conference by saying, “No news is good news on the injury front.”

But then, the Pittsburgh Steelers coach immediately offered some news on the injury front. And that news was good.

The injury suffered by rookie offensive lineman Kevin Dotson on Tuesday is not serious. Some feared the worst after Dotson went down during practice and needed assistance getting off the Heinz Field turf.

Tomlin also had a positive report regarding first-year tight end Dax Raymond (ankle), also injured Tuesday.

“Kevin Dotson and Dax Raymond appear to be more short term-related injuries,” Tomlin said. “Nothing of any significant, long-term concerns.”

A fourth-round pick out of Louisiana, Dotson is competing for a spot as a backup on the interior of the offensive line and is considered a candidate to start at guard in the future. Franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was among those who helped Dotson off the field Tuesday.

Rookie guard Kevin Dotson, who injured his knee Tuesday, is on the field today. Not sure if he will practice, but it doesn't look like he has either of his knees wrapped. Steelers not wearing pads today for practice.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) August 19, 2020

Dotson was spotted watching Wednesday’s practice in his jersey and without any sort wrap or brace on either knee.

Wednesday’s practice — the first in which players were not in full pads this week — also included participation “in a limited capacity” (per Tomlin) from wide receiver James Washington and defensive lineman Chris Wormley. Washington (undisclosed) and Wormley (lower-body injury) have not practiced at all this week because of what Tomlin has said are “minor ailments.”

“They’re working their way back,” Tomlin said.

Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.