DETROIT – The way he hit the hole and ran into the end zone virtually untouched, high-stepping along the way, made it look like Cordarrelle Patterson had made a kickoff return for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.
Instead, one of the NFL’s most successful returners contributed to a running attempt that gave the Steelers an early lead in a 24-17 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Patterson broke through a gap in the middle of the field and scored the first points for the Steelers’ first team offense in three preseason games with a 31-yard run.
It showed the value of a running back who had 1,166 scrimmage yards in 2021 and a career-high 695 rushing yards with the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.
“I’ve seen that a lot over the last decade or so,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “It just wasn’t in a uniform I was associated with, so it was pretty cool.”
Patterson scored nine touchdowns on kickoff returns – an NFL record. However, he has not yet been used in that role by the Steelers, who signed him as a free agent with the new dynamic kickoff rules in mind.
“I know what he can do in that area,” Tomlin said. “The National Football League knows what he can do in that area. I wanted to look at a few others.”
Injury report
After missing several days of practice, second-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr. did not play against the Lions due to an unspecified injury.
Tomlin called it a “minor” setback for Porter, but did not go into detail, saying he wanted to “exercise a little caution.”
Tomlin used the same reasoning to hold rookie inside linebacker Payton Wilson out of the game. Wilson suffered a concussion against Buffalo but was medically cleared to play Saturday.
In addition to Porter, defenders Cameron Heyward, TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith were also on the bench. Heyward and Watt were resting. Highsmith is recovering from a groin injury.
Cory Trice Jr. replaced Porter in the starting lineup and had two tackles, including one for a loss of yardage, before leaving with a groin injury. Rookie outside linebacker Julius Welschof had two sacks before injuring his knee. Rookie safety Ryan Watts was on the field for several moments with what Tomlin described as a “stinger.” Watts left the field under his own power but was immediately taken to the medical area.
Other players who did not play due to injury were Roman Wilson, Jaylen Warren, Tyler Matakevich, Jeremiah Moon, Dylan Cook, Logan Lee and Troy Fautanu.
(Re)ascend
While Watt and Highsmith rested his groin injury, Nick Herbig got another chance to shine in a starting position as outside linebacker.
Herbig had two sacks in three plays on the Lions’ opening drive; the second forced a fumble that Dean Lowry recovered for a touchdown.
Keeanu Benton and DeMarvin Leal split another game as the Steelers sent Hendon Hooker to the ground on three consecutive plays.
Herbig had 3 1/2 sacks last season.
“He carries himself like a guy who’s been around the track for a while,” Tomlin said. “We want to see significant development in all of these second-year players. He’s an example of that, but he’s not alone. … He’s making a leap. He’s been there before. He’s finding his stride. He wants to make an impact, and we’ll find a role for a guy like that, whether he’s a ‘starter’ or not.”
Playing the slot machines
One undecided starting position in defense remains at the slot corner.
Thomas Graham Jr. was named to the first team for the second consecutive season. Undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop started the opening game, but missed the second game due to injury and had to sit out the entire week of practice.
Bishop remained on the bench until the second half against the Lions.
“You have to earn opportunities,” Tomlin said. “I’m glad he’s healthy. We wanted to give him opportunities, but when you go into a game is often a reflection of the work you’ve done leading up to the performance. To be honest, he’s had limited availability.”
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he has covered sports for the Trib for five decades. Reach him at [email protected].
