Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Keeanu Benton left his team’s preseason game against the Houston Texans on Friday with an apparent upper body injury.

Benton left the game late in the first quarter and was first evaluated by trainers on the Pittsburgh sideline before heading back to the Steelers locker room. He was holding a towel to his face while being examined.

Before laving the game, Benton had recored one tackle and he also pushed the pocket back to pressure Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud on another rep.

The Steelers’ second-round pick of Wisconsin in the 2023 NFL Draft, Benton played in all 17 games and made nine starts last season, recording 36 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, two passes defended and two forced fumbles.

He is once again expected to be the team’s starting nose tackle, and started the game between Larry Ogunjobi and Isaiahh Loudermilk on Friday.

The Steelers have not updated Benton’s status. NFL teams are not required to give in-game injury status updates during the preseason. Head coach Mike Tomlin will address the media after the game.