The Pittsburgh Steelers saw a full 20 players log at least one snap on defense for them on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. Among those logging zero snaps—due to unavailability—were T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Stephon Tuitt, Tyson Alualu, Joe Haden, Carlos Davis, and Isaiahh Loudermilk.
Instead, we got reps from Delontae Scott, Daniel Archibong, Miles Killebrew, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Karl Joseph. Henry Mondeaux played 27 snaps. Derrek Tuszka played 32, Taco Charlton 49. Tre Norwood played every single snap.
Needless to say, that has never been the plan going into a game. They didn’t have much choice, under the circumstances.