By J.T.
Photo Credit- Sports Illustrated
In Case You Missed It - Episode 9, 2023
September 17, 2023
It is that time of the week when Draft 412 summarizes the past seven days of worthy news nuggets that you may have missed. Let us catch you up here:
Oneil Cruz Shut Down
The Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz won’t be able to return to the club this season, manager Derek Shelton said on his 93.7 The Fan radio show. Cruz has been on the injured list since April and was hitting .250 with 1 home run in only 32 at bats. He should be back at full health for the start of the 2024 season.
Andrew McCutchen and Pirates to Discuss a New Contract
Ben Cherington met with the local baseball writers and stated that the Pirates and Andrew McCutchen will meet in the off-season to discuss extending him a contract. McCutchen, who partially tore his Achilles tendon last week and is out the rest of the season, is still stuck on 299 career home runs.
Cam Heyward Out 8 Weeks
Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward underwent surgery for a groin injury sustained in the week 1 loss to the 49ers. He will be out at least 4 weeks, but the NFL Network reported on Thursday that he will be out 8 weeks. Heyward is their longest tenured player and defensive captain and the heart and soul of their defensive line. The team will now look to Isaiah Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal and Keeanu Benton to help out in his loss.
PFF Ranks Steelers OL at #26
The Steelers supposedly strengthened their offensive line this off-season through free agency and the draft, but after one week PFF has the Steelers as the #26 ranked offensive line out of 32 teams.
The Steelers gave up 23 pressures against the San Francisco 49ers in week one, and allowed more than that just once in 2022. Dan Moore gave up 9 pressures on Sunday, the second most in football. Moore was given a 22.8 pass blocking rating which is the worst of all the starting left tackles in the NFL.
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