Steelers down to 4th-string left guard after injuries to Matt Feiler, Kevin Dotson

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Pittsburgh Steelers lost not one but two left guards to pectoral injuries during Sunday night’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Starter Matt Feiler left during the first quarter, and rookie backup Kevin Dotson did not play after suffering his injury during the third quarter. Coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged their respective injuries after the game but had few other details.

Asked if there was any indication as to the severity of the injuries, Tomlin said, “I don’t have any as I sit here right now.”

J.C. Hassenauer played the final three offensive series of the game at left guard. After beginning the season as the Steelers’ fourth option guard, Hassenauer played significant snaps for the third consecutive game. Hassenauer started the prior two games at center while Maurkice Pouncey was on the reserve/covid-19 list.

The Steelers also lost their starting right tackle for five snaps to begin the fourth quarter. Chuks Okorafor needed assistance coming off the field after suffering what appeared to be a lower-body injury on the final play of the third quarter. Jerald Hawkins subbed for Okorafor during that time, leaving the Steelers with no reserve offensive linemen.

This is the first season the Steelers regularly have dressed eight offensive linemen for games. Rule changes allow for an extra roster spot in 2020.

Veteran Stefen Wisniewski began the season as the Steelers’ top interior backup, but he suffered an injury during the season opener while playing in place of right guard David DeCastro. Wisniewski went on injured reserve but was waived after he was activated and joined the Kansas City Chiefs.

The only other injury of note from Sunday’s 26-15 defeat was rookie outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, who left the game during the final drive. Tomlin did not mention Highsmith’s ailment in his postgame remarks.

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