Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen exited Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter with a back injury, which ultimately kept him from returning to action. After the 26-7 loss, head coach Mike Tomlin revealed he was dealing with some sort of contusion. 

On Monday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport provided more clarity on Queen’s injury via X.

“#Steelers LB Patrick Queen, who left Sunday’s game early with an injury, is believed to have suffered a lower back bruise, source says,” Rapoport tweeted. “He’s having tests, but the hope is it’s not a long-term injury.”

#Steelers LB Patrick Queen, who left Sunday’s game early with an injury, is believed to have suffered a lower back bruise, source says. He’s having tests, but the hope is it’s not a long-term injury.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 1, 2025

Queen stayed down after a third-down run by Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen, which he converted into a first down. One play prior, Queen was involved on the late hit on Allen along Buffalo’s sideline that wasn’t penalized. Allen slid short of the first-down marker and Queen came in over the top, landing a big blow. 

That set off a bit of a dustup on the Bills’ sideline, and then on the next play Queen went down with the injury. After the play, Queen motioned to the sideline for trainers to come out. After being helped off the field, Queen went into the blue tent and then was seen attempting to run on the sideline.

Initially, Queen was ruled questionable to return. But after halftime, Queen was ruled out, giving way to Payton Wilson and Malik Harrison full-time at inside linebacker.

Prior to the injury, Queen had played some good football, racking up six tackles and a quarterback hit — the lone quarterback hit on the night for the Steelers. He has played 100% of the snaps since joining the Steelers and wears the green dot as the communication hub for the Steelers defense.

Without him in the second half Sunday, Wilson took over the green-dot responsibilities.

With the Ravens on tap next, we’ll see if Queen can get back in time to play in the big AFC North matchup. The last time Queen faced the Ravens, he played through the flu. Now, he could be playing through a back injury that could limit him in a pivotal divisional game as both teams enter 6-6 on the season and struggling across the board.