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Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith has a right shoulder injury that coach Mike Tomlin says "potentially could be significant."
Smith was injured Sunday in Detroit. He was being evaluated Tuesday, and the Steelers are not yet certain how long he will be out.
Smith has been with the Steelers longer than any player except wide receiver Hines Ward and defensive back Deshea Townsend. He is one of the keys to their 3-4 alignment and is often cited by teammates as being the most underrated player on what was the NFL's top defense the last two seasons.
Smith has 13 tackles and two sacks in five games and also blocked a field goal attempt during the Steelers' 13-10 victory over Tennessee on Sept. 10.
Tomlin said first-round draft pick Ziggy Hood is not yet ready to replace Smith, and that Travis Kirschke, Nick Eason and Hood would be used in his place.
The 33-year-old Smith sat out the last four games of the 2007 season with a torn biceps muscle.
Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, who has missed four games with a torn left knee ligament, and running back Willie Parker are expected to return Sunday against Cleveland. Parker has missed two games.
Smith was injured Sunday in Detroit. He was being evaluated Tuesday, and the Steelers are not yet certain how long he will be out.
Smith has been with the Steelers longer than any player except wide receiver Hines Ward and defensive back Deshea Townsend. He is one of the keys to their 3-4 alignment and is often cited by teammates as being the most underrated player on what was the NFL's top defense the last two seasons.
Smith has 13 tackles and two sacks in five games and also blocked a field goal attempt during the Steelers' 13-10 victory over Tennessee on Sept. 10.
Tomlin said first-round draft pick Ziggy Hood is not yet ready to replace Smith, and that Travis Kirschke, Nick Eason and Hood would be used in his place.
The 33-year-old Smith sat out the last four games of the 2007 season with a torn biceps muscle.
Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, who has missed four games with a torn left knee ligament, and running back Willie Parker are expected to return Sunday against Cleveland. Parker has missed two games.
