Mike Tomlin explains Beanie Bishop Jr.'s injury: “I didn't want a small problem to become a big one”

The Pittsburgh Steelers' second preseason game was not a positive performance either. There were certainly things to be happy about, but overall it was another bad game. A bit of bad luck with injuries didn't help, and that started before the game even started. Cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. seemed to be taking the lead in the battle for the slot corner job, but an injury kept him out of today's game. Mike Tomlin clarified the situation in his press conference after the Steelers' 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

“Beanie was a little limited on our last day of work here on Thursday against Buffalo, and we didn't want a small issue to become a big issue,” Tomlin said, according to the team's YouTube channel. “Obviously the sand is ticking through the hourglass and he's got a big week ahead of him. We didn't want to jeopardize that or compromise that, so we did what we thought was reasonable tonight and didn't let him participate.”

It sounds like Bishop's situation is similar to the injury Russell Wilson suffered early in training camp. It's not a long-term problem, but it could become one if he strains. Taking him out of the game is the right decision, even if it doesn't help Bishop's chances of making the 53-man roster.

Bishop is an undrafted rookie, so every rep is very important to him. The preseason is for players like him to prove their worth and earn a spot on the roster. He has impressed in camp, but nothing is guaranteed. In the first preseason game, Tomlin made it clear that Bishop has not earned the starting spot yet. Missing this game doesn't help him.

Grayland Arnold, Bishop's biggest competitor for the nickelback job, suffered an injury that landed him on the injured list before he could really get going. Thomas Graham Jr. was the starting slot corner in Bishop's place tonight and looked ready to take his chance, but it's unfortunate that Bishop was unable to suit up. The Steelers could still sign a free agent to take that job.

We'll see if Bishop can get healthy in time for the Steelers' final preseason game. If not, his spot on the roster may not be secure. As Tomlin said, Bishop is running out of time to show why he belongs on the Steelers. His chances would improve significantly if he could play next Saturday night against the Detroit Lions.