Aaron Smith's right shoulder ached for weeks before tests this week finally showed the Steelers' defensive end needed season-ending surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff.
Coach Mike Tomlin Tuesday said that Smith's shoulder was injured at some point in the game against the Lions in Detroit. But Smith complained about pain in his shoulder long before that, even though it rarely drove him off the practice or playing field until Sunday in Detroit.
"His shoulder's been bugging him for a couple of weeks now," said Travis Kirschke, the most likely defensive end to start in place of Smith on the left side Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Continue
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