Chase Claypool added to Injury Report; Vince Williams added to COVID-19 List
By Edward Hunt
The Steelers got some bad news on Thursday with Vince Williams being added to the COVID-19 list. Chase Claypool also was added to the practice report with an illness.
The Steelers have a few injuries going on and a couple of starters on the COVID-19 list going into their Sunday Night showdown against the Buffalo Bills. Chase Claypool was added to the injury report with an illness. Robert Spillane is probably going to be out against the Bills with a knee injury, while Joe Haden has a concussion.
The two starters still on the COVID-19 list are Maurkice Pouncey and Vince Williams. I am going to hedge that Vince Williams will not play against the Bills but it is more than likely that Pouncey will.
Steelers Injuries
Chase Claypool (Illness) Questionable
Chase Claypool has an illness and was added to the injury report. I am pretty sure it is not coronavirus, but it is flu season as we are in the cold winter months. I don’t think this will hold Claypool out too long but it is bad news for the Black & Gold.
Robert Spillane (Knee) Doubtful
Robert Spillane has a knee injury and has not practiced all week. I would imagine that he will not play for the next two games while he recovers. The Steelers are thin at inside linebacker as Vince Williams is on the covid list and Spillane is out. I would look at Avery Williamson and Marcus Allen to get a lot of playing time Sunday with Tegray Scales getting to dress from the practice squad. I wouldn’t be totally surprised to see an inside linebacker to be brought in for depth.
Joe Haden (Concussion) Questionable
Joe Haden is dealing with a concussion and that adds to the bad luck he has been having recently. He got into a car accident before Thanksgiving and so the human in me just hopes he gets plenty of rest. With Steven Nelson back in the fold, the Steelers are okay at the position. Look for Cameron Sutton to get the reps and possibly the start at outside corner this Sunday.
Bills Injuries
John Feliciano (Knee/Foot) Questionable
Feliciano went the wrong way on the injury report today being limited after being a full participant on Wednesday. I would give him a coin flip’s chance of playing on Sunday against the Steelers. He isn’t a huge factor in this game though.
Jake Fromm (Not Injury Related) Probable
Fromm has been limited the past two days and my thinking is it’s something else going on. Fromm is a backup for the Bills and is really third in line after Matt Barkley. I would imagine he will be inactive Sunday against the Steelers but a healthy scratch.
Quinton Jefferson (Hip) Questionable
Jefferson has a hip injury and did not participate Wednesday. Thursday he was limited; so, he is moving in the right direction. Jefferson is a starter and will be missed in the pass rush department if he does not play on Sunday.
Jaquan Johnson (Ankle) Questionable
Johnson has not practiced the first two days of practice and thus Friday’s practice becomes important to whether he will play or not. Johnson doesn’t get much playing time on defense and has only played two snaps there this year.
Conclusion
The Steelers have a few injuries but the place to be most concerned is inside linebacker. Zach Moss and Devin Singletary are decent backs who could give the Steelers defense trouble. The Black & Gold will also need to keep Josh Allen in check as he is a threat to pass and run.
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The Bills don’t have many injuries that will hurt them that bad and so I give the injury advantage to Buffalo. The Steelers will need to bring their best Sunday night if they want to beat the Bills.