Heyward questionable, four other Steelers out against Cowboys in Week 9

The Steelers won and remained unbeaten Sunday, not that their performance did not make fans nervous. Injuries certainly did not help their performance.

Following the game, while thrilled the Steelers knocked off the Ravens, in the post-game conference, Mike Tomlin admitted that specific injuries might have contributed to their lackluster first-half performance. Certainly, injuries to Tyson Alualu and Cam Heyward didn’t help much.

Headed into the Dallas game, it appears the Steelers have ruled more players out for the Dallas matchup this week.  Now, as the Steelers approach the midseason game, injuries could loom large as the games get more critical in the playoff hunt. Here is the latest on the Steelers injuries.

Chris Wormley NT: Out (Knee)

Last week the Steelers had listed as injured his knee during the Cleveland game. His status remained in the air, pending the MRI. The injury turned out to be bad enough the Steelers placed him on the injured reserve list. He will miss at least three weeks, though perhaps more than that. Right now, there is no pending timeline for his return. Expect him to miss most of the next nine games.

Tyson Alualu DE: Doubtful (Knee)

Tyson is a new face on the Steelers injury list. He sprained his MCL in the matchup with the Ravens. Since the MRI confirmed it’s only a sprain, he could miss the Dallas game; and possibly the Bengals game at most. Considering he was standing and walking the sidelines after leaving the game, the consensus is it’s not ultra-serious. However, after the Steelers initially listed him as questionable for the Dallas game, they downgraded him to doubtful. Fans should not have concerns about him missing much time however more than likely he will miss the Dallas game.

Ulysees Gilbert LB: Questionable (Neck)

Gilbert injured his neck prior to Sunday’s meeting with the Ravens then missed two practices. As a result, he missed the game. Gilbert hoped hope he might improve and be available for the game with the Cowboys. However, the Steelers still have him listed him as questionable for the game with Dallas. With neck injuries, teams will be cautious. He will only return once the Steelers know it’s properly healed.

Mike Hilton CB: Questionable (shoulder)

Here is Another Steeler who has missed practice time due to injury. Listed as questionable before the Ravens game from his injury with Cleveland, he missed the Ravens game despite hints from Coach Tomlin he might return for the Ravens game. We still do not know if he will return for the Dallas game, keep an eye on the injury report.

Jordan Dangerfield S: Questionable (Quadricep)

Here is yet another Steelers player with an injury that seems to be getting worse than better. He had been listed as questionable before Sunday’s game with the Ravens.  Initially listed as out for the Dallas game the Steelers upgraded him to questionable. While still listed as questionable, Mike Tomlin stated in his Tuesday press conference he will return on Sunday.

Cam Heyward DT: Questionable (Quadricep)

After losing Devin Bush for the season, seeing Heyward exit the field was alarming. According to coach Tomlin, there appears to nothing to fear. When he left the Ravens game the first time, apparently it was for cramps, and that could have been the case when trainers helped him off the field with eight seconds left. At worst, it may only be a mild sprain. Do not expect Heyward to miss much game time. In his Tuesday press conference Coach Tomlin said it’s wait-and-see with Heyward. It seems unlikely he will miss the Dallas game. If he Does, he should return for the Bengals game.

We should know more with Tomlin’s update on Tuesday as he will at least address Alualu’s and Heyward’s injury during his Tuesday interview. As always, you can always check to get the latest news on all injury updates for both Pittsburgh and Dallas.

As in any season, the Steelers have some banged-up players. The good news is that aside from the injury to Devin Bush, they have done an excellent job of adjusting. Just look at Robert Spillane’s performance. Fans should not expect the current injuries to impact the Steelers severely for the Dallas game.