Steelers Have Growing Injured Reserve List

Dec 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Greg Little (15) catches a pass for a touchdown past Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Larry Foote (50) during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

When the Steelers’ brass signed Fernando Velasco, Shayne Graham, and Jonathan Dwyer yesterday, their front office had to either release three players or place three on injured reserve.  Since Pittsburgh lost three players to season-ending injuries on Sunday afternoon, the choice was an easy one for Kevin Colbert & co..

According to the team’s website, the Steelers placed Maurkice Pouncey, Larry Foote, and LaRod Stephens-Howling on “IR” for the rest of the season.  Those moves almost doubled the total number of players on the team’s “IR” from four to seven, and those three joined Plaxico Burress, Justin Cheadle, Nik Embernate, and Nick Williams who already populated the list.

Although the four already on “IR” were not expected to contribute very much on the field this fall, the losses of two starters and the team’s projected “third down back” are nothing short of disastrous for the franchise.  Although the Steelers are not a “playoff-caliber” team in my opinion, they can ill afford to lose their most experienced members during what is sure to be a rebuilding season.

If this list continues to grow, especially with Pro Bowl players like Pouncey, then phrases like “Downey for Clowney” might become more commonly uttered as the season wears on in Pittsburgh.

Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com and Pro Football Reference

Follow me on Twitter: @DominicDiTolla

Follow & Like “NPC” on Facebook: Nice Pick, Cowher