Kevin Dotson's ankle injury will sideline him for at least the next three weeks. The Steelers' starting left guard was placed on injured reserve on Saturday, as Dotson sustained the injury during last Sunday's tie against the Lions. Backup center/guard J.C. Hassenauer is in line to replace Dotson in the starting lineup Sunday night when the Steelers visit the Chargers.. Dotson started in each of Pittsburgh's first nine games of the season after making four starts during his rookie season.
In a corresponding move, the Steelers promoted veteran safety Karl Joseph, who has appeared in just one game this season after signing with Pittsburgh on Sept. 1. The 16th overall pick in the 2016 draft, Joseph spent his four seasons with the Raiders before spending last season with the Browns. In 64 career games, Joseph has 303 tackles (11 for loss), five interceptions, 19 passes defensed, one forced fumble and five fumble recoveries. During his only season in Cleveland, Joseph logged 67 tackles to go with one interception and two fumble recoveries in 14 games.
Joseph's addition to the 53-man roster gives the Steelers added depth to a secondary that will not have All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on Sunday. Fitzpatrick is currently on the COVID-19 list. The Steelers will also be without starting cornerback Joe Haden, who is dealing with a foot injury.
Pittsburgh's defense will face a Chargers offense that features quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Austin Ekeler and receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. The Steelers' offense will face a Chargers' defense that is dead last in the NFL against the run.
