Steelers THawkins, TE McGee hurt in practice

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins and tight end Jake McGee sustained apparent serious injuries during practice on Wednesday, multiple media outlets reported. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Hawkins needed assistance to get to the locker room after sustaining a knee injury. No immediate word was given on the condition of the 24-year-old Hawkins, although left guard Ramon Foster told the newspaper that he "just heard him screaming." Hawkins, who was a fourth-round pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, played in five games last season and started one for the Steelers. The 24-year-old Hawkins, who is listed at 6-foot-6 and 309 pounds, was expected to be the team's flex tackle and utility offensive lineman. Chris Hubbard, who held that distinction last season, left to the Cleveland Browns in free agency. Should Hawkins be sidelined for any significant length of time, the Steelers likely will look to either Matt Feiler or rookie Chukwuma Okorafor to serve in the backup tackle role behind Alejandro Villanueva and Marcus Gilbert. McGee sustained what is believed to be a torn Achilles tendon, Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reported. McGee, who was on the team's practice squad last year, also spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers, Oakland Raiders and Carolina Panthers.