EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Already minus their All-Pro right guard, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost his replacement and their new starting right tackle on consecutive plays in the second half of their 26-16 season-opening win Monday night against the New York Giants.
Central Catholic grad Stefen Wisniewski, starting in place of DeCastro at guard, left with a pectoral injury. One play later, Zach Banner, who won the positional competition with Chuks Okorafor in training camp, also exited with a potentially serious knee injury.
In addition, running back James Conner didn’t play in the second half because of an ankle injury. He had nine yards rushing on six carries and two receptions for eight yards.
Banner had tears in his eyes as he was helped off the field and onto a medical cart. He was injured blocking outside linebacker Oshane Ximines on Ben Roethlisberger’s 8-yard touchdown pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster with 5 minutes, 23 seconds left in the game.
Okorafor replaced Banner for the Steelers’ final drive. Kevin Dotson filled in for Wisniewski, who was making his first start after signing a two-year contract with the Steelers in the offseason.
Although the nature of the injuries was not immediately known, defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt missed the second half of last season with a torn pectoral muscle. Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward also missed the second half of the 2016 season with an identical injury.
“I don’t know what is going to happen,” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “My thoughts and prayers are going to the guys who are injured. I don’t know the severity of the injuries, but guys stepped up and filled the gaps.”
DeCastro made the trip for the season opener and stood on the sideline wearing black shorts and a black T-shirt.
The Steelers have three offensive linemen on the practice squad: tackles Jarron Jones and Anthony Coyle and guard/tackle Derwin Gray, a former late-round draft pick.
The Steelers play the Denver Broncos on Sunday in their home opener.
“We’re working on a short week, so we better be ready to close ranks,” coach Mike Tomlin said.
