Niner Noise
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4 Steelers players 49ers should worry about in Week 3

By Peter Panacy

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 19: Kendall Hunter #32 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to put a move on Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steeler at Candlestick Park on December 19, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 20-3. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 19: Kendall Hunter #32 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to put a move on Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steeler at Candlestick Park on December 19, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 20-3. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 20: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws during warmups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers on September 20, 2015 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 20: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws during warmups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers on September 20, 2015 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers won’t have to face quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in Week 3, but these four other Pittsburgh Steelers could pose a problem for the Niners home opener.

The San Francisco 49ers are in excellent position to start the season 3-0, which would mark the first time since 1998 the franchise has gotten off to that record.

To do it, the Niners will have to knock off the 0-2 Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday, who enter the contest without veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is out for the rest of 2019 with an elbow injury.

Roethlisberger’s absence opens up the door for his backup, Mason Rudolph, who came in for a relief effort after the former’s mid-game injury against the Seattle Seahawks a week ago. Rudolph, Pittsburgh’s third-round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft, managed a decent outing during the game, going 12-of-19 for 112 yards with two touchdowns against one interception, which wasn’t entirely his fault — the ball bouncing off wide receiver Donte Moncrief’s hands.

Still, the Steelers have looked messy early this season, which presents a prime opportunity for San Francisco to reach three wins in three chances this year.

Yet this Week 3 contest won’t be without its challenges. Despite Pittsburgh’s losses in Weeks 1 and 2 against the New England Patriots and Seahawks, respectively, there are still some players and units the 49ers should worry about.

And on both sides of the ball, too.

So, with the Niners gearing up for what could be another signature win on the young season, Niner Noise breaks down four Steelers players who should be of concern to head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. this Sunday.