Anytime you lose a starter for what is an essence half a season, you're not in a good spot.
Especially when the sole reason that starter was signed was to amplify a group and position that is either unproven or underwhelming.
That's the exact scenario the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in, but there is one good thing that has come from the suspension of Cam Sutton; timing.
Sutton Back for the homestretch
The Steelers boast what may be the hardest schedule in NFL history post their Week 9 bye, which is exactly when Sutton will be available to re-join the roster. Now, there are a series of questions that have to be answered in terms of his readiness before he jumps into the starting lineup. But he can rejoin the team at the end of October, giving him a subtle ramp-up period.
"If they can get by the first eight games without him, and let's be honest, the easy part of the schedule is early," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo said recently via 93.7 The Fan. "If you can get him for the vet minimum for the final nine games when the schedule gets more difficult, that's probably the best-case scenario."
Not only does Pittsburgh get Sutton back for the homestretch, they also lose him with plenty of time to figure out who will start in his place. The league office moves at their own pace and they had no obligation to give Pittsburgh a decision on Suttion two weeks before camp begins.
The Steelers approach camp with a bevy of options on the table. There is a roster battle shaping up between four players, and there is also a veteran option with ties to the team as recently as last year available via free agency.
And I know it may sound absurd, but there is a chance Sutton never plays a snap for the Steelers. Let's say rookie UDFA Beanie Bishop lights up camp, or the team decides to go ahead and re-unite with Patrick Peterson.
Well, with Sutton only due half of what was already the veteran minimum since he was suspended without pay, well they can part ways and face little if any financial loss.
So there are plenty of options for the Steelers and some that might exclude Sutton.
