![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/09/USATSI_18904364.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
It only took one week for the injuries to start to pile up for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The biggest loss from last week was defensive tackle Cam Heyward who is likely out for two months after tearing his groin. But there are several other guys who could miss this game as well. Here’s our prediction for the Steelers starting defense on Monday night against the Cleveland Browns.
DE - DeMarvin Leal
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2022/12/6af79551c0564858b2dcc0f426999574.jpg)
Leal gets the start over the injured Larry Ogunjobi
NT -Montravius Adams
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2022/09/8acfce8a40e04385ae2a512ce2305d6c.jpg)
Adams gets the start but we expect Keeanu Benton to have the better game as he pushes for the starting job.
DT - Isaiahh Loudermilk
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2021/11/52259369e5a94460ad8290e4bda8cb4a.jpg)
The veteran Loudermilk gets the starting nod with Heyward out of the lineup.
LOLB - T.J. Watt
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/09/USATSI_21390103-2.jpg)
Watt makes history this weekend as he becomes the franchise sack leader.
ROLB - Alex Highsmith
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/01/USATSI_19749206.jpg)
Hopefully, the Steelers can let Highsmith rush the passer more this week.
LILB - Cole Holcomb
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/08/1610628889.jpg)
Holcomb was steady but unspectacular last week.
RILB - Kwon Alexander
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/08/1610629191.jpg)
Pittsburgh shakes things up by putting Alexander out there first to add a spark on defense.
LCB - Patrick Peterson
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/09/USATSI_21390060.jpg)
Peterson struggled last week but his starting job is safe.
RCB - Levi Wallace
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/08/ff6bec5e79814b4c8b52726e74f91cd8.jpg)
Wallace holds onto his starting job for another week but we expect to see more Joey Porter Jr.
FS - Minkah Fitzpatrick
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/09/USATSI_17449296.jpg)
We are hoping for a much better game from Fitzpatrick this week.
SS - Damontae Kazee
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/08/USATSI_19749545.jpg)
Kazee and Keanu Neal were both pretty underwhelming last week so it probably doesn’t matter who starts here.