Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Scott Brown of ESPN.com provided “Steeler Nation” with the following information regarding some of Pittsburgh’s currently hobbled players earlier today:
While the statuses of Ike Taylor and Vince Williams for Sunday’s game against the Bills are definite pluses, the fact that Pittsburgh could be missing their starting right tackle and their top backup at both positions is troubling to say the least. If neither Mike Adams nor Marcus Gilbert is able to suit up for the Steelers against Buffalo, then Guy Whimper will have to assume the right tackle duties like he did against Baltimore.
Although Whimper provided a solid effort against the Ravens, Pittsburgh’s brass might have to call up Joe Long from the practice squad for some depth at offensive tackle if Adams and Gilbert are sidelined due to their respective injuries.
On a positive note, the following players are listed as “probable” according to the injury report on the Steelers’ official website:
- Kelvin Beachum (knee)
- David DeCastro (ankle)
- Cameron Heyward (knee)
- Heath Miller (non-injury related)
- Fernando Velasco (thigh)
- Markus Wheaton (finger)
Although they are “probable,” three of Pittsburgh’s starting offensive linemen are on this list heading into the weekend. DeCastro missed last weekend’s game against New England, and the Steelers can ill afford to lose him or their starting center or left tackle during any of their final eight games due to injuries.
Wheaton’s return should help the offense, but how many targets he will see with Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, Jerricho Cotchery, and Heath Miller in front of him is definitely a question. Regardless, it is nice to see the rookie set to return after his broken finger and subsequent surgery kept him out for the entire month of October.
Stats & Contract Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com , Spotrac, and Pro Football Reference
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