At first, it was thought P.O. Joseph was a healthy scratch from the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup.

It seems as if the Pittsburgh Penguins are dealing with bigger injury issues than originally believed.

According to Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, defenseman P.O. Joseph has been dealing with a lower-body injury for quite some time.

Joseph has only appeared in five games through the 2023-24 season and just one since October 18.

It was believed that Joseph’s tough start to the season is what held him out of the lineup, but as it turns out, it was this injury.

“I know there's been a little bit of an assumption most recently that he's been a healthy scratch,” Sullivan said. “That hasn't really been the case.”

Sullivan stated that he had full intentions of play Joseph in the Penguins lineup against the Carolina Hurricanes, but there is a feeling he isn’t 100% ready.

Both the team and player want Joseph to be fully healthy and ready to contribute upon a return.

The Penguins third defensive pairing has seen plenty of battles for spots in the lineup and a healthy Joseph should add to that fight.

Ryan Shea has been the common face skating in Joseph position in the lineup.

Joseph has appeared in five games this season and recorded a single assist.

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