The Steelers' defense stifled the Chargers in prime time Sunday, but it came at a cost.
Pittsburgh on Tuesday announced the team has placed veteran defensive end Stephon Tuitt on the reserve/injured list after he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the first half of the 24-17 win at Los Angeles.
The team signed defense end L.T. Walton in a corresponding move.
According to ESPN, Tuitt will need to undergo season-ending surgery.
It's a blow to a defense on the rise as the Steelers continue to endure struggles on the other side of the ball. The team lost quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to a season-ending elbow injury in Week 2 and backup Mason Rudolph was knocked unconscious in a scary scene in Week 5.
Tuitt had 3.5 sacks, which was tied for second on the team, and 22 tackles through the first three weeks of the season. He was on pace to surpass his mark of 5.0 sacks in 2018 and possibly his career-high 6.5 sacks in 2015.
"He's a key part of our defense. I'll got to war with him every day," fellow defensive lineman and team captain Cam Heyward told DK Pittsburgh Sports. "I don't know what's going to happen. I'm hoping it's just a little time off and then he comes back to us."
Veteran backup lineman Tyson Alualu and nose tackle Javon Hargrave are expected to continue to help fill the void in Tuitt's absence, as they did against the Chargers. Rookie linebacker Devin Bush also contributed with an interception.
After a bye this week, the Steelers (2-4) will next host the Dolphins in Week 8.