The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled with issues concerning the depth of the defense as of late. Of course, there was the 2023 year, when the team was forced to start waiver claims, formerly retired players and free agents still looking for homes. Entering the 2024 season, however, there are a lot of questions concerning the depth on the defensive line. Behind the three starting linemen are Dean Lowry and a bunch of questionable players trying to prove that they belong in the NFL. Besides Lowry, there really isn't a proven depth player on the defensive line core.
The lack of depth is even more concerning when you look at the injury history of guys like Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton, both of whom are expected to be starters in 2024. With the potential of those players getting injured again, Lowry would most likely be the first man up to replace them, as noted by Chris Adamski of TribLive.
"The depth chart for the Steelers’ d-line in 2024 begins with starters Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi and Keeanu Benton and will include Lowry prominently in the rotation. With the recent injury histories of Heyward and Benton, in particular, it would not be surprising if Lowry was a starter at some point this season."
Adamski goes on to talk about Lowry's experience in the NFL, as he played in all but one game in his first six seasons, as well as starting in every game from 2019 to 2021. He has proven himself to be a true threat on the defensive line during his time with the Green Bay Packers. After a rough year with the Minnesota Vikings, the Steelers were able to pick him up for cheap, but there is a reason that Lowry came for such a low price.
Steelers Took A Risk On Lowry With His Injury Red Flags
Lowry can be a starter if the Steelers need him to be, but that's only if he can stay healthy. Like Heyward and Benton, Lowry has had his own recent history with injuries. In his final season in Green Bay, he was placed on Injured Reserve late in the season with a calf strain. From there, he walked in free agency.
Lowry signed a two-year deal with the Vikings in 2023, but suffered a groin injury in the middle of the season. In his first game back in the lineup, he suffered a pectoral injury that forced him to miss the rest of the campaign. He only played in nine games with Minnesota, and was cut after the season ended. He later signed a two-year, $5 million deal with the Steelers in the 2024 offseason.
Adamski brought that up as well, saying that that concern is the only question he has in regard to what Lowry can do for this team.
"The biggest question with Lowry at this point of his career regards whether his recent run of injuries is the new norm, or just an aberration during what has otherwise been a remarkably durable run as a pro."
Lowry has repeatedly shown what he can do whenever he's healthy. He has done his part in helping the Packers get to the playoffs and even make it to the NFC Championship Game some years, but he can't do a lot for the Steelers if his injury concerns pop up. He could help coach the team, but he was signed to be on the field, not on the sidelines.
The Steelers' defensive line depth is already paper-thin, so they need their best depth player to stay healthy and play in any situation that he is needed for. If Lowry can stay on the field, he won't have too much of a problem making a positive impact on the game. If not, he may end up joining his fourth team in four years.
