Pittsburgh Steelers lose Allen, Stephens-Howling to injuries

The Pittsburgh Steelers were a team ravished by injuries in 2012, leading to a disappointing 8-8 finish.

Judging by their lack of depth at most positions, many felt that if the Steelers were to be successful in 2013, they would have to avoid the injury bug in a big way.

They aren’t off to a good start.

Pittsburgh lost Pro-Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey in the first quarter to a knee injury and will also have to go without cornerback Cortez Allen for the remainder of the game with an ankle injury, according to ESPN’s John Clayton.

Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen (28) and safety Ryan Clark (25) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

There was a lot of pressure on Allen to perform this season after the organization made the decision to let Keenan Lewis lave as a free agent to the New Orleans Saints.

Allen missed a lot of camp after undergoing minor knee surgery that kept him off the field for over two weeks.

Now that Allen’s ankle has forced him out of the lineup, the Steelers are forced to play the likes of William Gay in their base package, which isn’t good news.

With Allen in the game, the Steelers’ defense has been performing admirably, despite the woes of the offense, which in addition to losing Pouncey, also lost running back LaRod Stephens-Howling to a knee injury.

Midway through the third quarter, the Steelers have allowed only 150 yards of total offense, but trail to the Tennessee Titans 10-2.