The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the New England Patriots in Pittsburgh on Sunday and the winner will likely be the city that the Super Bowl goes through. Here is a recap of the injury situation ahead of Sunday’s game.
Ryan Shazier has a spine injury that required spinal correction surgery. This is obviously a very sad story and the hope is that he can lead a normal life after this injury. It is unlikely that he plays football again. He was placed on IR at the beginning of the week to make room for Juju Smith-Schuster who was off the roster for a week due to a suspension. He is for sure done for the season.
Joe Haden began practicing this week after missing the past month with a broken fibula. He was limited Wednesday and the good news is that he is back on the field. This is another step toward him coming back into the Steelers lineup. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of him playing on Sunday.
Tyler Matakevich was limited on Wednesday and that is a good sign for the Steelers inside linebacker situation. If he can make it back Sunday, the Steelers won’t need to use a committee of LJ Fort, Sean Spence and Arthur Moats at inside linebacker.
Vance McDonald injured his shoulder Sunday and thus he sat out of Wednesday’s practice. He has been riddled with the injury bug this season and so the Steelers may have to rely on Jesse James and Xavier Grimble again at Tight End.
Coty Sensabaugh also injured his shoulder against the Ravens and that leaves the Steelers with even less depth at Cornerback. It is looking like rookie Cameron Sutton will be the guy opposite Artie Burns at Corner this week. Sensabaugh sat out Wednesday and so we shall see how long it takes for him to make it back. He is probably week-to-week right now with the possibility of playing Sunday.
Stephon Tuitt also did not practice Wednesday and that is due to an illness. I assume that he will be out a day or two but will still play on Sunday.
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Martavis Bryant has also sat out of practice Wednesday and that is likely due to family issues. There is speculation that it is due to the illness of his girlfriend. He sounds like he will play against the Patriots though, even if he won’t be returning kickoffs.