Just when the Pittsburgh Steelers thought their defensive problems were getting better with the return of Troy Polamalu they got news that Aaron Smith will be place on the injured reserve list. Smith tore his rotator cuff in his right shoulder during the Lions game and will be done for the season. Ziggy Hood, Travis Kirschke, and Nick Eason are going to be used as a group to try to replace Smith.
This is a huge blow for the Steelers defense because the last time Smith got hurt the team gave up 629 yards rushing in 4 games which included back to back loses at home to the Jacksonville Jaguars. They drafted Hood for this single reason and he looked impressive in the preseason but he hasn't done much so far during the regular season. Kirschke is a suitable replacement who has been with the team for both Super Bowl runs but he is getting old and you can't really replicate what Smith brings to the defense. The team should get an emotional lift from Polamalu's return but everyone is going to have to step up to fill the void that Smith brings to the field. I am fully confidant that the Steelers can overcome this and remain a factor in the AFC playoff picture.
GO STEELERS!
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