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Veteran Steelers DT Suffered Torn ACL, Out For Entire 2025 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers have confirmed a major blow to their defensive lineup as veteran defensive tackle Dean Lowry has suffered a torn ACL during training camp, ruling him out for the entire 2025 NFL season.

Dean Lowry

Lowry sustained the injury during a recent training camp session, with subsequent medical examinations revealing a complete tear of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The team announced that Lowry will miss the entire 2025 season, a significant setback for both the player and the Steelers’ defensive plans.

Steelers' Dean Lowry addresses knee injury in heartfelt post – WPXI

This injury is a heavy loss for the Steelers’ defense, which counted on Lowry’s experience and versatility along the defensive front. The absence of a proven veteran like Lowry not only weakens Pittsburgh’s depth but also puts added pressure on younger players and newcomers to step up. ACL injuries are among the most serious in football, often requiring surgery and months of intensive rehabilitation. The Steelers’ coaching staff now faces the challenge of adjusting their defensive rotation and seeking replacements to fill the gap left by Lowry’s absence.

Steelers place DT Dean Lowry on IR, replace him with Breiden Fehoko - Yahoo  Sports

Sharing his feelings on social media, Dean Lowry wrote:
“During a training camp practice last week I sustained an ACL injury that will likely end my season. Hard to comprehend the thoughts and emotions I have felt since then. Heartbroken I won’t get to fully experience the highs and lows of an NFL season with a group I love going to work with.”
He added, “The risks associated with this game and the unique aspect of a football team are what make this sport like no other. I’m completely resolved to attack my recovery and support my teammates however I can.”

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Dean Lowry, a seasoned defensive tackle, was signed by the Steelers to bolster their defensive line with leadership and stability. Known for his durability and consistent performance over previous seasons, Lowry’s experience was expected to play a key role in mentoring younger linemen and anchoring Pittsburgh’s interior defense. The Steelers have faced injury challenges in the past, but losing a player of Lowry’s caliber just before the regular season presents a new obstacle.

Dean Lowry: News, Stats, Bio & More - NBC Sports

As the Steelers regroup and look for answers, Lowry’s injury is a reminder of the unforgiving nature of football and the resilience demanded from every player. The organization, teammates, and fans will rally behind Lowry as he embarks on his road to recovery, and the team will need its next-man-up mentality to remain competitive. Supporters are encouraged to send messages of encouragement to Lowry and keep faith in the Steelers’ spirit heading into the 2025 season.

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Steelers Sign 1,174-Tackle Former Pro Bowler to Practice Squad, Just Hours After Raiders ‘Poach’ LB Jon Rhattigan
PITTSBURGH — October 8, 2025 — Just hours after the Las Vegas Raiders poached linebacker Jon Rhattigan from their practice squad, the Pittsburgh Steelers responded swiftly by signing Eric Kendricks—a former Pro Bowler with 1,174 career tackles—to their practice squad. The move not only offsets the immediate personnel loss but also injects a seasoned defensive leader into the heart of the black-and-gold. In his first comments, Kendricks explained his decision:“I turned down the Ravens as soon as I knew the Steelers were calling. The Raiders ‘stealing’ Rhattigan put Pittsburgh in a bind, and they showed me they value what I bring. Wearing Pittsburgh— even on the practice squad— is worth it. I believe my experience can help the front office and the team.” Kendricks (33) was a 2015 second-round pick out of UCLA, establishing his name with the Minnesota Vikings (2015–2022) before stints with the Chargers (2023) and Cowboys (2024). His peak came in 2019, when he earned First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors—reflecting a complete skill set: zone-match diagnostics, precise hook/curl drops, sharp screen recognition, and, crucially, command of the front seven with the defensive green-dot. Beyond his 1,174 tackles, Kendricks has compiled 21.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, 60 passes defended, and 3 defensive touchdowns, underscoring value that exceeds a mere rotational plug-in. Schematically, the Steelers can deploy Kendricks as an immediate stabilizer: tightening communication at the second level, serving as an on-field coordinator in high-leverage situations (third down, red zone), and contributing on special teams. If he acclimates quickly over the next few weeks, a path to gameday elevations—and potentially the 53-man roster—is very much on the table.