The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without two starters and could be relying on their rookie right tackle to start.
Marcus Gilbert – The Steelers have ruled Marcus Gilbert out with a knee injury, and although Mike Tomlin said there were no setbacks, Gilbert’s progress is moving much slower than expected.
Stephon Tuitt – Tuitt will miss his second week in a row with a hyperextended elbow. Last week, Pittsburgh discovered the productivity of Javon Hargrave at end. They could continue to use that method while Tuitt sits out.
Matt Feiler – Feiler was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and Friday and remains a game time decision for the Steelers. With minimum practice reps this week, Pittsburgh could be relying on Chuk Okorafor to handle the starting right tackle duties.
Mason Rudolph – Rudolph is inactive every week, and with the extreme Steeler fans shouting to put Josh Dobbs in against Jacksonville, there’s no chance he’ll see the field this season unless something drastic happens.
Justin Hunter – Hunter continues to ride the roller coaster with James Washington. This week, they’ll likely continue to give the rookie the go-ahead, and with Eli Rogers on his way back, Hunter is looking at more competition for playing time.
Zack Banner – Even with Feiler out, Banner probably won’t be active for today’s game. If the Steelers believe they’re going to need another lineman in Denver they’ll change that, but chances are Banner is a healthy scratch.
Marcus Allen – Nothing has changed here, Allen is still a rookie fighting for a chance, but unless there’s an injury he’s not going to get it right now. Pittsburgh keeping him on the roster all season is meaningful, but they won’t make him active for a game unless they absolutely need to.
Brian Allen – Even if the outside corner spot is Pittsburgh’s biggest need on defense, Brian Allen is not the name they’ll call. He’s still sitting behind Coty Sensabaugh and Artie Burns, and against Denver, he’ll be a healthy scratch.