Steelers injury report: DeCastro out, four others questionable vs. Giants

The Pittsburgh Steelers kick off the season against the New York Giants on Monday night. Here are the players who may not suit up.

Plagued by injuries all season, not only to Big Ben but James Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster, to name only a few.  As the 2020 season approaches in less than a week, here is a look at the Steelers’ current injury report headed into their first game against the New York Giants on Monday night.

G David DeCastro: Out (lower-body injury)

Guard David DeCastro, having suffered a lower-body injury during training camp, will miss the first game against the Giants. The Steelers have not set a return date for the All-Pro as of yet. Leaving open the possibility he could miss several games. DeCastro’s replacement would be Stefan Wisniewski a 10-year veteran in his first season with Pittsburgh. Stefan has two Superbowl rings on his resume one with the 2016 Eagles and the second in 2019 with the Chiefs

WR Diontae Johnson: Questionable (calf)

Having sustained a calf injury in late August, it has not entirely healed as of yet. The Steelers have not determined whether he can play in the first game against the Giants. The Steelers may not ultimately wait until Monday to make a final decision.

RB Anthony McFarland Jr.: Questionable (concussion)

Anthony suffered his concussion on August 27th and is still going through concussion protocol with physicians. While it may be probable doctors may clear him for the season opener, that is still an open question at best. There are still very few details as to how well he responded in the concussion protocol program.

FB Derek Watt: Questionable (shoulder)

The brother of T.J. Watt is still undergoing rehab from knee and injuries sustained in his final game with the LA Chargers last season. He underwent shoulder surgery after the season.  While hoping he could fully practice ahead of the September 13th opener, this has not happened yet. If he misses the first game, he should probably get the green light for full practices soon after.

LS Kameron Canaday: Questionable (knee)

Injuring his knee August 22nd it has not fully healed yet, and the Steelers are still uncertain of his status for Monday night. The good sign is the Steelers have not had to bring in a replacement long snapper, which means he should miss little action beyond Monday night if he does miss the game. If he does not play, the Steelers have three potential possibilities to cover long snapping duties Guard Stefan Wisniewski, center Maurkice Pouncey, or possible Tight end Vance Mcdonald, all who have gotten practice as a long snapper.

For a recap of current NY Giant injuries for week one click here.

For the first week of the season, thanks to no pre-season games due to the  COVID virus, the Steelers are relatively injury-free at the moment. Hopefully, it stays that way beyond week one.