Steelers have injuries to role players ahead of Ravens game

The Pittsburgh Steelers are and Baltimore Ravens have key players facing injuries going into their showdown this week in Baltimore.

The Steelers are now the only undefeated team in the NFL as they head to Baltimore Sunday to take on the Ravens. The Ravens are a good team in their own right and will present a major challenge to the Steelers. According to the Action Network, the Ravens are four-point home favorites.

Here is the list of players that are injured before heading into Sunday’s rivalry game.

Mike Hilton (Shoulder) Questionable

Mike Hilton sat out of the last game against the Titans and that could be the case this week. I think it is a coin flip whether he plays against the Ravens after being limited on Thursday and Friday. This will open the door to Cameron Sutton getting the start as the starting slot corner. I think Sutton is a decent backup and will be able to do a good enough job filling the role.

Jordan Dangerfield (Quadripcepts) Out

Jordan Dangerfield is a key special teamer playing that upback role on punts. He was out the whole week of practice with a quad injury. Dangerfield was given the out designation and that means he will probably be on the inactive list this week. The Steelers still have Sean Davis as a key reserve at the safety position.

Derek Watt (Hamstring) Questionable

Derek Watt has had some issues with the hamstring and it might keep him out again against the Ravens. He is a key special teamer who provides a bigger body on punt units. He also helps in the run blocking game, especially in short-yardage situations.

Chris Wormley (Knee) Out

Chris Wormley has been an offseason addition as a reserve defensive end. He has been a very effective backup at that position and I think he is a starter quality player for another team. He sat out of practice all week with a knee injury and is not dressing for the Black & Gold on Sunday.

Ulysees Gilbert III (Back) Out

Gilbert was injured during the week of practice on Thursday and will be out for the game against the Ravens. That leaves the Steelers thin at outside linebacker as the Steelers will have to rely on Marcus Allen if there is an injury at inside linebacker. Gilbert has gotten to dress since Devin Bush was injured.

Ravens Injuries

Mark Ingram II (Ankle) Doubtful

Mark Ingram gets a share of the carries for the Ravens, but he probably won’t be getting any of them this week. It looks like he will be out after not practicing all week with a high-ankle sprain. Ingram has been out a week or two for the Ravens.

Anthony Levine Sr. (Abdomen) Questionable

Levine is questionable after being limited on Friday. He plays a hybrid role for the Ravens but hasn’t been very effective on defense. I think the Ravens will be okay not dressing him on Sunday.

Jimmy Smith (Achillies) Questionable

Jimmy Smith has been an effective corner for the Ravens for a long time. It looks like Marlon Humphrey has surpassed him, but he is still a good #2 corner in the NFL. Achillies injuries are always serious and so the Ravens shouldn’t try to stretch him. He was limited on Friday and so it’s unclear if he will go on Sunday against the Steelers.

Both teams look pretty healthy going into this game. They will be without a few key players each, but every team in the NFL will say that at this point in the regular season. This is going to be a real showdown as both teams are effective, physical, and healthy going into this game.