The Pittsburgh Steelers placed rookie right tackle Troy Fautanu on injured reserve on September 21. With the move, the Steelers will be without Fautanu for a minimum of four weeks.
But according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, his absence will be a lot longer than that.
Rapoport reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Fautanu suffered an injury similar to a dislocated kneecap and needs surgery. He added the rookie right tackle will not play again during the regular season.
“Sources: Steelers impressive rookie RT Troy Fautanu, who was placed on IR this week, suffered what is essentially a dislocated kneecap and will have surgery to repair the ligament damage,” wrote Rapoport.
“Fautanu is out for the regular season, tho could return if PIT makes the playoffs.”
Fautanu suffered a left MCL sprain during the preseason opener. He didn’t play the rest of the preseason and then missed Week 1.
He returned, though, to start Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Fautanu was set to start at right tackle again in Week 3 but left practice on September 20. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported that Fautanu left practice after feeling ‘a little tweak’ in his knee.
Broderick Jones started at right tackle for the Steelers on September 22.
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