Pittsburgh Steelers: Projected Week 8 inactives
By Edward Hunt
The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football and could be without a few names.
Marcus Gilbert: Gilbert has had a nagging hamstring injury that has caused him to miss four games and Sunday will be his fifth. The Steelers will have to rely on Chris Hubbard to hold the Lions down at right tackle. I think Marcus Gilbert will be available after the bye in week nine. He is one of the better right tackles in the league and he is probably the Steelers best tackle.
Stephon Tuitt: Tuitt injured his back while working out and now he will be out again this week. Tuitt is an integral part of the Steelers defense as a run defender and providing interior rush. Tyson Alualu, who is probably their best outside free agent signing, will start again on the defensive line.
Vance McDonald: McDonald bruised his knee and will be out Sunday as well. This injury hurts as he was starting to make some way with Roethlisberger. Jesse James will likely start at tight end and when there is a two tight end set you will probably see Xavier Grimble.
Joshua Dobbs: Dobbs will be a healthy stratch for the game against the Lions. He is currently their number three quarterback. Thus, he will be inactive again.
Martavis Bryant: Bryant is being benched and so it is likely that his punishment will be to sit out. He may dress and start on the bench, but my guess is that Justin Hunter will take his place as the Z receiver and Martavis will be in street clothes. Tomlin also talked about integrating Eli Rogers more into the offense.
Jerald Hawkins: Hawkins is the Steelers ninth lineman and will likely not get a helmet because he is behind Matt Feiler. As I have said before, Jerald Hawkins job as of now is just to develop.
Arthur Moats: Moats will be the seventh inactive as the Steelers will likely only need eight linebackers. James Harrison has played well when called upon; so, the Steeler would like to be able to spot TJ Watt with James Harrison, especially with TJ Watt limited on Friday.