Injury News: Kelvin Beachum, Jerricho Cotchery and David DeCastro Practice
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Bob Labriola of Steelers Digest and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ official website shed some light on some updated injury news earlier this afternoon:
An opportunity could arise for Mike Adams to start at right tackle on Sunday night with Kelvin Beachum likely heading back into the lineup. Adams did a solid job against the Miami Dolphins last weekend in Beachum’s place at left tackle, and he might receive a shot to start on the right side if Marcus Gilbert is unable to suit up for Pittsburgh.
On the subject of the offensive line, it is definitely a positive sign to see David DeCastro practicing as early as today. His status was in question leading up to last weekend’s contest, but the former Stanford star gutted out a decent afternoon against Miami.
Jerricho Cotchery has been Pittsburgh’s most productive pass-catcher other than Antonio Brown this fall, and his nine touchdown receptions lead the team. A heady player who has emerged as a reliable option for Ben Roethlisberger, Cotchery’s presence in the lineup makes Pittsburgh’s offense a better unit. Thus, it is good to know that his injured shoulder did not keep him sidelined for today’s practice.
The defensive line could be in a world of trouble if Ziggy Hood, Brett Keisel and Steve McLendon cannot play. Seldom-used reserves Al Woods and Hebron Fangupo could see playing time if two or all three of the veterans are sidelined with their respective injuries.
Losing Troy Polamlau would likely force Shamarko Thomas or Will Allen into the starting lineup, so I hope that Pittsburgh’s coaching staff held out the veteran safety for precautionary purposes.
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