5 Steelers are questionable vs. Bengals and 2 are out

Kevin Dotson G: Questionable (Shoulder)

If the injury to Feiler was not enough, Kevin Dotson also injured his shoulder. As a result, he is on the report as questionable. This injury is a double whammy as Dotson would have played for Feiler. Tomlin has said he will be limited in practice but gave no clarity about his status for the Bengals game. Like Feiler, we need to keep an eye on whether he returns to practice. That will be the telltale sign. If he returns to a full or even limited practice, he should play in the Bengals game. Otherwise, he could miss a week at least. In any absence, look for J.C. Hassenauer to fill in.

Joe Haden CB: Questionable (Concussion)

Since the Buffalo game, the Steelers have upgraded Haden back to questionable. While recovering from a concussion, he has to go through protocol before doctors clear him. Since he missed the Buffalo game and the Bengals game is not till Monday, more than likely, Haden should return. However, that is not a guarantee. Concussions can have lingering symptoms. So while the probability exists, Haden should return, if he does not practice this week, then doctors have still not cleared him.

Terrell Edmunds S: Questionable (shoulder)

With Haden likely to return, of course, an injury needs to strike Edmunds. It seems when one gets healthy, someone else goes out. This revolving door of injuries has made it tough on the Steelers for certain. The good news here is the injury may not be severe enough for Edmunds to miss Monday’s game; however, it could cause him to miss some practice time.

Chuckwuma Okorafor OL: Questionable (Ankle)

This injury is another that occurred during the Buffalo game. Oddly enough, Mike Tomlin mentioned him in his Tuesday press conference; however, he did not appear on ESPN’s NFL injury report. The Steelers do not update their injury report on the Steelers website until Wednesday’s practice.  So he may get added if the Steelers list him as missing practice on Wednesday, the other possibility Okorafor is fine. In either case, it does not look like he will miss the Bengals game, but we need to await further updates to make sure.

The good news to this week’s injury list is that in Mike Tomlin’s weekly press conference, while not making any predictions, he left open the possibility that Conner, Edmunds, Okorafor, and Dotson could suit up Sunday., One would assume that he is not concerned about the severity of their injuries. Then again, perhaps he wanted to be cautious in how he worded things. However, he did mention Haden should return. Either way, with injuries mounting, it will make the Bengals game difficult at best, even if they do not have Joe Burrows. So keep an eye on the latest updates to the injury report as to who may or may not return on Monday night.