The Steelers only have one real injury on their roster, but here’s why this loss could be big against the Washington Football Team.
The Steelers have an injury to Steven Nelson who is one of their starting corners and that could be a tough loss. The good news is there aren’t any other injuries.
The thing that concerns me more from a depth standpoint is the number and quality of players on the COVID-19 list. It was a problem against Baltimore even though the Steelers escaped with a win. James Conner, Stephon Tuitt, Maurkice Pouncey, and Jerald Hawkins are all dealing with covid issues.
Steelers Injuries
Steven Nelson (Knee) Doubtful
Steven Nelson injured his knee in the game against the Ravens and now on a short week, he looks like he will be out against the Washington Football Team. The Steelers might have to rely on second-year cornerback Justin Layne to start against Washington. There is also the chance that a more experienced player like Cameron Sutton will play on the outside.
Nelson has played between 94-99 percent of snaps over the past three years – dating back to his final season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He has been one of the healthiest players in Pittsburgh since joining the team two years ago, but it doesn’t look as if he will be able to go on Monday night. It will be interesting to see what his young replacements can do in his stead.
Ben Roethlisberger (Not Injury Related) Probable
Ben Roethlisberger did not practice on Thursday and that is okay because the Steelers might just need to rest him going into Monday night’s game against Washington. He also took some bad hits in the game at Jacksonville.
Washington Football Team Injuries
Terry McLaurin (Ankle) Questionable
Terry McLaurin was limited on Friday and that leaves his participation in Monday’s game up in the air. The Washington Football Team will have another day of practice on Saturday and it would be an opportunity for him to get healthy going into Monday. McLaurin is easily the leading receiver for his team so Washington will want him to make it back.
Conclusion
The story of this injury report is not the injuries but the Covid cases. COVID-19 made this a short week for the Steelers even though it was supposed to be a long week with Pittsburgh scheduled on Thursday Night Football on Thanksgiving. Now the Black and Gold will need to heal quickly and get ready to play a struggling Washington team.
The Steelers are in some danger of not winning this game because they are playing on short rest. I think missing Stephon Tuitt is also tough with the recent season-ending injury of Bud Dupree. Let’s hope they can pull through and pick up a win this week.