Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier today, Scott Brown of ESPN.com provided “Steeler Nation” with news about the team’s most recent practice. In the series of tweets below, Brown shared some information regarding a group of players who are currently dealing with injury issues:
Steelers OLB Jarvis Jones a full participant in practice today, and he said he is fine after missing the Ravens game because of a concussion
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_15) October 23, 2013
LB Lawrence Timmons (hand), OLB LaMarr Woodley (knee), DE Cameron Heyward (illness) and WR Jerricho Cotchery (abdomen) also full go today.
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_15) October 23, 2013
LT Kelvin Beachum (ribs), RT Marcus Gilbert (quad), DE Brett Keisel (ribs) and TE Richard Gordon (toe) were all limited today.
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_15) October 23, 2013
TE Heath Miller also limited per coach's decision. WR Markus Wheaton (finger) only Steelers player who did not practice.
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_15) October 23, 2013
The news about Jarvis Jones, along with the news about other three (LaMarr Woodley, Cameron Heyward, and Lawrence Timmons) starters on Pittsburgh’s defense, is nothing short of fantastic.
The Raiders’ offensive line have had their fair share of issues protecting Terrelle Pryor during their first six games, so the fact that the Steelers will be able to turn their starting outside linebackers loose on Sunday will be terrific.
The fact that Cotchery participated fully in practice today is also a huge plus too. He’s been a reliable secondary-target for Ben Roethlisberger all season, and his presence in the lineup makes up for the absence of Markus Wheaton.
It will be interesting to monitor Kelvin Beachum and Marcus Gilbert this week, especially since they are the starters on the depth chart at left and right tackle. While I hope that both are able to play this weekend, Mike Adams and Guy Whimper will be available as backups.
The limitation of Heath Miller doesn’t worry me, especially since the Steelers’ coaches probably want to still proceed with caution with their tight end who sustained a brutal knee injury only 10 months ago.
As far as Richard Gordon is concerned though, he probably will not be active for the game anyway if Miller, David Paulson, and Michael Palmer are healthy enough to play.
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