Pittsburgh reshuffles six jersey numbers ahead of the regular season, led by Yahya Black moving to No. 94. Esezi Otomewo becomes 93, Andrus Peat 71, Max Hurleman 84, D'Shawn Jamison 38, and Trey Sermon 37. No. 94 last belonged to Dean Lowry, who is out with a knee injury. Black wore 94 at Iowa, and preseason buzz could push him into action as Week 1 vs. the Jets looms.

The change signals a fresh Steelers DL rotation and potential fantasy upside for Black if his momentum carries over. Sermon and Hurleman add backfield and committee depth, while Otomewo and Jamison provide versatile line-coverage options. The Jets opener on Sept. 7 will reveal how these moves translate to real game snaps.

For fantasy players, tracking snap counts and usage in that opener will be critical. If Black commands early-down reps and pressures the quarterback, a notable surge in tackle and sack opportunities could follow, especially with Lowry sidelined.

Derrick Harmon’s knee injury for the Steelers creates immediate questions about interior pass-rush depth as rosters shrink to 53 by Tuesday. Dean Lowry’s ACL concern compounds Pittsburgh’s defensive-line volatility, potentially triggering veteran market chatter or a last-minute cut-down addition. Carolina’s Brycen Tremayne flashed in a quiet WR battle, while Hunter Renfrow and David Moore remained inactive, signaling possible trades or practice-squad tinkering as the Panthers shape their 53-man plan. The upcoming slate of games and a Tuesday deadline loom large for teams sorting position battles and fantasy implications.

Beyond those headlines, teams are juggling final evaluations at edge, tackle, and back-end spots as coaches balance upside with roster certainty. The Steelers and Panthers projections will influence fantasy rosters and dynasty depth, while a bevy of Week 3 results will sharpen decisions on players who could emerge as sleepers or fade with the 53-man cuts. As color-filled rosters start to crystallize, bettors and fantasy managers will be watching how depth charts shift in the closing hours before the deadline.

In short, Week 3 underscored the delicate calculus of preseason: a single injury or inactive list can tip the scale at key spots, altering both real-game roles and fantasy upside as teams pare to 53 by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET cutoff.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will face significant challenges in the 2025 NFL season following the announcement from defensive lineman Dean Lowry that he has torn his ACL during training camp. This injury not only jeopardizes his season but also marks a considerable loss for the team's defensive lineup as Lowry was entering his 10th NFL season and was expected to contribute significantly. The veteran defensive tackle expressed his heartbreak via social media, highlighting the emotional toll and the competitive spirit of the league.

Lowry's injury comes off the back of a season where he played in 12 games, contributing five tackles and one sack. His presence was pivotal to the Steelers' defensive strategy, particularly alongside teammates like Keeanu Benton and Ben Skowronek, who have since shown their support for Lowry during this difficult time. The Steelers, now looking to fill the gap left by the absence of Lowry, will need to reevaluate their defensive schemes and player rotations as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a challenging matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, as they will be missing two key defenders due to injuries. Safety DeShon Elliott and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi have both been ruled out after sustaining groin injuries in the previous game against the Cleveland Browns.

With Elliott sidelined, Damontae Kazee is set to step in alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick, who may take on a more aggressive role. The defensive tackle position will see Dean Lowry or Isaiah Loudermilk replacing Ogunjobi. Additionally, George Pickens is also out with a hamstring injury.

The Pittsburgh Steelers face potential defensive adjustments ahead of their Week 13 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a hip injury suffered by defensive tackle Keeanu Benton. The second-year player, a key part of the team's defensive line, has been limited in practice and his absence could impact the game.

With Benton possibly sidelined, the Steelers may rely on Montravius Adams, who is returning from Injured Reserve, or look to other players like Dean Lowry and Isaiahh Loudermilk for support. The team is focused on regaining momentum this season, especially against a divisional rival.