Pittsburgh Steelers: Injury report following Week 8

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football and now they head into the bye at 6-2. They did suffer a few injuries in the loss.

Mike Mitchell injured his ankle in the third quarter and was replaced by Robert Golden. Golden struggled in the preseason but must have moved up the depth chart in practice over the past weeks. Mike Mitchell is still a big loss for the Steelers as he is a hard-hitting safety who does an adequate job holding down centerfield. He is also the Steelers enforcer. This injury may take longer than just the bye week, but I would still consider him week-to-week.

Chris Hubbard was placed into concussion protocol in the fourth quarter of the game. Its hard to say how long he will be out, but the bye week comes at a good time for the Steelers at the right tackle position. Matt Feiler saw his first NFL snaps at right tackle at the end of the game. It is hard to say how well he did with such a small sample size, but the Steelers were able to keep it together using their third string, right tackle. Matt Feiler made the team in camp and has mostly been a practice squad player for the Steelers over the last few years.

Stephon Tuitt was out for the Lions game and the hope is that his back has healed from his workout injury. He is currently week-to-week. Tyson Alualu played his spot on the outside and in the dime as well as Javon Hargrave in subpackage football.

Marcus Gilbert is still dealing with a hamstring injury and the bye comes at a good time as the Steelers might have to play Matt Feiler at right tackle this week if there was not a bye. I think a hamstring injury should be healed by their next game unless he re-injures his hamstring. The Steelers may be being cautious with their vital right tackle.

Vance McDonald has a knee bruise and although it has to be a pretty bad bruise, you have to think he will be back after the bye. We will watch his participation next week to see if the Steelers can get their other tight end going. Xavier Grimble has gotten more time in the offense in McDonald’s absence.

Next: Grading the Steelers rookies through 8 week

Sean Davis was also injured during the game but was able to finish. The Steelers had to use both backup safeties Robert Golden and J.J. Wilcox. The hope is that this injury does not swell up post game.