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Steelers Concerned Over Injuries to Three Players After Loss to Buccaneers, Especially Warren’s Concussion

The Pittsburgh Steelers walked off the field with more than just a narrow 17-14 preseason loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — they also carried concern for three injured players. Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the situation immediately after the game, providing clarity on the status of each.

Tomlin confirmed that outside linebacker Nick Herbig exited with a hamstring issue. While he did not return, the coach later reassured reporters that Herbig is “OK” and that the injury should not sideline him long-term.

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Long snapper Christian Kuntz suffered a chest injury while making a tackle on Buccaneers return man Tez Johnson. Kuntz was visibly in discomfort, removing his shoulder pads and heading straight to the locker room after spending time in the medical tent. Tomlin admitted he wasn’t ready to discuss hypotheticals but said there was “some good news” about the evaluation, suggesting optimism moving forward.

Rookie offensive lineman Gareth Warren was also evaluated for a concussion after taking a hit. Tomlin noted the medical staff will continue to monitor his condition, but early signs appeared encouraging.

With all three players banged up, the Steelers leaned on depth pieces to fill the gaps. Defensive lineman Logan Lee even stepped in as the emergency long snapper, earning praise from Tomlin for his versatility: “He’s worked at that since he’s been here. Versatility helps him and it helps us.”

The silver lining? None of the injuries are expected to be long-term. With nearly three weeks until the regular-season opener against the New York Jets, Tomlin and his staff are optimistic these players will be available when games begin to matter.

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Panthers Legend Furious, Calls for Team to Reclaim His Rights Because NFL is So Unfair!
Can you believe it? Cam Newton, the immortal icon of the Carolina Panthers, is absolutely raging! Overnight, the bombshell from Philip Rivers has pushed the 2015 MVP legend to speak out, accusing the NFL of playing "double standards" and urging his old team, the Panthers, to stand up and demand justice for him! Imagine this: Philip Rivers, the 44 year old veteran who's been retired for a full 5 years, suddenly signs a contract to return with the Indianapolis Colts after Daniel Jones' horrific injury (torn Achilles). This isn't Hollywood fiction, it's a shocking NFL reality! Rivers, once a "family member" of the Colts, is welcomed back like a hero, while Cam Newton, the guy who led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 and still has a burning passion, is tossed aside like yesterday's trash. In the latest episode of his podcast 4th and 1 (released on 12/10/2025), Newton couldn't hold back anymore. He roared: "Did Philip Rivers send any signals that he's ready? I haven't and won't retire! For an opportunity like this! I don't care if he's 'family' to them. He's 44, bro! Why do you hold Cam Newton to sky high standards that you don't apply to everyone else?" Newton's words are like a punch straight to the NFL's face! He feels this is a "slap in the face" to his illustrious career, from being the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, to 2015 MVP, to being "discarded" after the 2021 season. Newton has never officially retired, and now he's calling on the Panthers, the team that was once his home, to take action! "Demand my rights back! The NFL is unfair, and Panthers fans deserve a legend's return!", That's the implicit message Newton is sending, shattering the hearts of millions of fans. Cam Says CALL HIM After Rivers Returns, Shedeur DISRESPECT Continues & Richard Sherman WRONGNew episode of 4th&1 out now!📺: https://t.co/hdru5DuZV7 pic.twitter.com/or8TykRhYd — 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) December 10, 2025 Remember? Newton returned to the Panthers in 2021 as a PR stunt, but the terrible head coach Matt Rhule ruined it all. Rhule blamed Newton, firing offensive coordinator Joe Brady right after Brady spent the entire bye week working with him. The result? Newton failed, and the NFL turned its back. Now, with Rivers being "resurrected" at 44, Newton sees the bias clearly: "Connections" and "family ties" are the key, not talent! Panthers fans are boiling over! They've idolized Newton from day one, and now this story is like a tragedy: Their hero forgotten, while "old man" Rivers gets a golden chance. Newton still has the passion, still wants to play, so why not give him a shot? Is this the moment the Panthers rise up and push the NFL to reconsider? Or will we see Newton explode even more on media?