21 Sean Davis FS

Davis led the defense with nine tackles (all solo) during Sunday's 23-16 win over Baltimore.

The Steelers are on a four-game winning streak, during which they have held opponents to an average of 18 points per game. That could change in Week 10 against the Panthers, who have a three-game winning streak of their own, averaging 33 points per game over that span.

Davis exited Sunday's practice early due to a groin injury, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The extent of Davis' injury is not yet known. If he is forced to miss extended action, look for rookie Terrell Edmunds to see additional starting reps at safety alongside Morgan Burnett. Davis had a strong year in 2017, recording 92 tackles, three interceptions, a forced fumble, and a sack, so his starting position shouldn't be in any danger as long as he can get healthy during the training camp window.

Davis is anticipating a move to free safety ahead of the upcoming season, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports.

The Steelers have now mentioned that both Davis and Morgan Burnett have been experimenting at free safety, so it appears one of the two will be playing out of their normal position. Either way, Davis is going to prepare for both positions, which should give Pittsburgh some added flexibility in the secondary. Davis started all 16 games he played in last year, tallying 92 tackles, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a sack. He should remain with the top unit in 2018, though there could be a slight adjustment period if he transitions to free safety as expected.

Davis totaled 12 tackles (nine solo) in Sunday's 45-42 AFC divisional round loss to Jacksonville.

Davis matched his career-best for tackles in a game, but the defense had its worst outing at the worst time. Jacksonville scored 45 points, the most by an opponent all season, and the most since 2013 (New England, 55).

Davis, who recorded three tackles (two solo), including a sack and an interception in Sunday's win over the Browns, finishes up the 2017 season with 92 tackles (71 solo), including the one sack, a forced fumble and three interceptions, playing in all 16 games.

Davis led the team in tackles in just his second season in the league. The Pittsburgh defense has undergone a youth movement in the past few years, and finished as the fifth best in the league in terms of yards allowed.