Najee Harris, Levi Wallace, Robert Spillane among injured Steelers after win at Bengals

CINCINNATI – The Pittsburgh Steelers won their season opener, on the road, against the defending AFC champions.

But impressive as that sounds, as coach Mike Tomlin put it, it came at “a cost.”

While the pec ailment suffered by star outside linebacker T.J. Watt is the most notable, the Steelers also lost starting running back Najee Harris, No. 3 cornerback Levi Wallace and rotational inside linebacker Robert Spillane to injury during Sunday’s 23-20 overtime win against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Harris’ injury was to his right foot — the same foot he had suffered a Lisfranc sprain during the second week of training camp. It is unknown if this injury is related; all Tomlin would say afterward was Harris was “being evaluated.” Harris was spotted postgame in the visiting locker room at Paycor Stadium with his foot heavily wrapped, but he was walking on his own power with no crutches or other assistance.

Harris sat out the Steelers’ first two preseason games and three weeks of practice after suffering his initial foot injury Aug. 1.

Wallace suffered an ankle injury during the second half of Sunday’s game and did not return. Spillane’s ailment was to an eye. Tomlin did not expand further on the status of either.

Starting center Mason Cole suffered an ankle injury during the second half Sunday but returned to action before the end of the game.

Undrafted rookie Jaylen Warren is Harris’ backup. He had three carries for 7 yards Sunday. Harris, who led the NFL in touches as a rookie last season, had a touchdown reception along with 10 carries for 23 yards and two catches for 3 yards.

Related:

• Steelers beat Bengals in OT with Chris Boswell 53-yarder
• Just like his predecessor, Mitch Trubisky orchestrates Steelers' game-winning drive
• T.J. Watt’s injury to likely leave Steelers relying on 'next man up,' newcomer Malik Reed
• Steelers vs. Bengals: What they're saying in Cincinnati after loss

Spillane rotates with Myles Jack and Devin Bush at inside linebacker, and the only backup the Steelers had in uniform Sunday was special teamer Marcus Allen. Rookie Mark Robinson was a healthy scratch.

After Wallace left the game, the Steelers generally stuck to playing Arthur Maulet as their nickel/slot defensive back with Cameron Sutton and Ahkello Witherspoon playing outside cornerback.

J.C. Hassenauer came in for Cole when Cole was out; Hassenauer had an errant snap on a shotgun during his brief playing time.

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