PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 28: Stephon Tuitt #91 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop during the second half in the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on October 28, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)The Pittsburgh Steelers struggled mightily against the run without Stephon Tuitt last season. While his status remains uncertain, the star defensive tackle could reportedly be ready to return.
Per Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot, general manager Kevin Colbert told Steelers Nation Radio that Tuitt “expressed a desire to play football again.” However, he stopped short of saying the 28-year-old will be back in Pittsburgh next season.
Colbert still has not confirmed Tuitt will be back in 2022. Says door remains open. But those comments, and the ones he made last week, are the most positive sign we've gotten so far.
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) March 1, 2022
Kozora is referencing Colbert’s comments in a press conference where he said the team has talked to Tuitt and “will continue to evaluate that position and his availability to us.”
“We just hope for the best for him as he tries to come back and be a part of the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Colbert told reporters last week. “We’re open (to him returning in 2022). We’ve talked to him, and we’ll continue to visit with him.”
Tuitt, who has played seven seasons in Pittsburgh, recorded a career-high 11 sacks in 2020. The Steelers surrendered an NFL-worst 146.1 rushing yards per game without him last season.
Last offseason, Tuitt’s brother died in a hit-and-run accident. After rejoining the team late in training camp, he suffered a knee injury that sent him to the injured reserve.
In an interview with Jenna Harner of WPXI Sports last week, Steelers owner Art Rooney II also said the organization has “left the door open” for Tuitt to return.
Does Art Rooney II see Stephon Tuitt, here in Pittsburgh, as a member of the Steelers next season?
"We don't know at this point where Stephon is going to be and what his ability to compete for a position here next season is going to be. We've left the door open." pic.twitter.com/gl2ffw9bBp
— Jenna Harner (@JennaHarner11) February 24, 2022
If he’s physically and mentally ready to play, Tuitt could significantly bolster Pittsburgh’s defense in 2022.
