5 Steelers dealing with injuries as team prepares for Titans

Entering week seven, it appears injuries are creeping up on the Steelers. Not the news Steelers fans want to hear heading into the delayed matchup with the 5-0 Tennessee Titans, their most difficult matchup of the year so far.

The Steelers have two linemen that may not play this week. Their star linebacker tore his ACL and is out for the season, and their number one receiver might be out over a nagging knee injury. More than likely, most of the players listed as questionable might still play; however, a banged-up offensive line could hamper the Steelers offensive and curtail the rushing or passing game and perhaps give the Steelers their first loss of the season.

This Sunday’s game will undoubtedly test the Steelers for the first time this season.

Devin Bush LB: Out (ACL)

The most serious injury the Steelers have had all season. Not the player fans wanted to see the Steelers lose. Devin has shown he’s capable of being a playmaker anytime he takes the field. While a blow to the Steelers, their defense can survive without him so long as they avoid any further injuries. As of yet, the Steelers have not signed anyone even to add depth to the linebacker position. For now, look for Robert Spillane to replace Devin Bush.

JuJu Smith-Schuster WR: Questionable (Knee)

JuJu did not practice Wednesday as the nagging knee injury continues to bother him. He played a limited role in the game against Cleveland, only snagging two receptions for a total of six yards. Possibly his knee hampered his playing ability. Certainly, they needed him more as Ben Roethlisberger had the least amount of passing yards all season. If he returns to practice, he may play against the Titans, if not he might not play Sunday.

David Decastro OL: Questionable (Abdomen)

So far, DeCastro has sat out more games than he has played this year. The good news is he had a light practice on Wednesday, which, considering is good news. If he participates in practice, the chances improve that he returns to action Sunday. Considering they are playing the Titans, they assuredly can use him. If DeCastro plays, that helps James Conner and Ben Roethlisberger.

Maurkice Pouncey C: Questionable (Foot)

An injury to Pouncey would not be as problematic if no other offensive lineman were out. In this case, with injuries to Pouncey and Decastro, that’s never good news. Also, the Steelers kept Pouncey out of practice Wednesday and no updates; it’s anyone’s guess if he returns this week after hurting his foot in the Browns game. The upside is that the injury does not seem severe, so if, for some reason, he does not play this week, he should return for the following game. Keep an eye on the Steelers injury report for updated information.

Derek Watt FB: Questionable (Hamstring)

Still nursing his hamstring injury, the Steelers have not released any recent info about the possibility of his return. His initial prognosis had him out about four to six weeks. Considering his injury occurred on September 27th, he’s missed two games with the bye week; he could possibly return by the Baltimore game or hopefully no later than the first game with the Bengals. Since he did not practice again on Wednesday, do not expect him back this week. If he does then, he could return early; that seems unlikely, though.

Mike Hilton CB: Questionable (Shoulder)

The last Steelers player on the injury report is Mike Hilton. He hurt his shoulder midway through the game with the Browns and did not return. He did not practice on Wednesday, either. It seems hard to tell whether he returns in the Titans game or not. His injury will not impact the Steelers much if it’s short term, although with Devin Bush out, losing Hilton, especially against the Titans, does not help their pass defense.  Keep an eye on the injury report to see if he returns to practice before Sunday.

As always, you can get the latest on the Steelers injury report here, along with injuries to the Tennessee Titans. While Pittsburgh does have injuries, if they do not have any Sunday, hopefully, they can weather this storm get healthy to keep putting up wins. The Titans will test the Steelers this week, and someone will be 5-1 unless the game ends in a tie.