Joe Haden left today’s game against the Indianapolis Colts with a leg injury and re-emerged on the sidelines with crutches and a sleeve on his leg. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Mike Tomlin stated after the game that Haden has a broken fibula and will be out indefinitely. Other reports have stated that he will likely miss six to eight weeks.
#Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says that CB Joe Haden broke his fibula and is out indefinitely. Major hit to the secondary.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 12, 2017
Joe Haden Out Indefinitely with Broken Fibula
Haden signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 30th, just hours after being released by the Cleveland Browns. So far this season, Haden has been a welcome addition to the Steelers secondary. Haden and Artie Burns have started at the cornerback positions every game so far this year.
So far in 2017, Haden has 16 tackles, five pass break-ups and an interception. The duo of Haden and Burns have proven to be one of the top cornerback combinations in the NFL. The Steelers are currently ranked fifth in the NFL in total defense (yardage) and also have the second best pass defense in the NFL behind the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Possible Replacements
Coty Sensabaugh replaced Haden in the Steelers victory over the Colts, but he struggled in pass coverage. Safety Mike Mitchell also left the game with a leg injury, which means that fellow safety Sean Davis will be forced to play in coverage more instead of helping to stop the run.
Rookie cornerback Cameron Sutton will likely have a larger role moving forward, as well as veteran cornerback William Gay. Both Gay and Sensabaugh saw increased playing time when Haden left the game, but neither had a very impressive performance. Mike Hilton could also see an expanded role in pass coverage instead of being used as a pass rusher and in run support.
The Steelers play the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football.
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