Steelers and Broncos injury reports after Wednesday’s practice
By Edward Hunt
James Conner (Ankle) Doubtful
Conner was not able to go after injuring his ankle in the first quarter. He probably isn’t hurt badly, but could see a reduced role when he gets back onto the field. Benny Snell Jr. replaced him Monday Night and could replace him this week as well.
This injury could be the first opportunity for Anthony MacFarland to dress. He is a rookie fourth-rounder who is said to have had a good camp.
Zach Banner (ACL) Out
Zach Banner obviously sat out of Wednesday’s practice and has now been placed on the Reserve/Injured list. I don’t think he will come back in 2020 from his ACL injury but I do think they will resign him for cheap and give him a chance to get his career back.
The Black & Gold thus signed Jerald Hawkins, a familiar face, to be the swing tackle on the active roster. I think he will dress for games going forward.
The other big news is that Chukwoma Okorafor will now be the Steeler’s right tackle. He battled for the job in camp and will now get his chance after being drafted in the third round. He is likely to be the right tackle for the rest of 2020.
Alejandro Villanueva (Illness) Questionable
I put Villanueva as questionable because we don’t know what the illness is, but I’m guessing it’s not COVID. Usually, illnesses hold players out for a couple of days and it is early enough in the week that I think he will be ready to play Sunday. I could almost list him as probable.