Last week the Steelers squeaked out yet another close win against the Bears and now have four straight wins and host the winless Lions.
Undoubtedly the Steelers’ mid-season success is partially due to the fact, compared to 2020, they are relatively healthier and have avoided the major injuries to starters. True, they did lose JuJu Smith-Schuster but still have enough talent at that position to compensate. That said, they narrowly averted disaster as Chase Claypool did leave the Bears game early but found out the injury was not as severe as it could have been.
So here is a look at the Steelers still showing up on the injury report ahead of their Week 10 matchup this coming Sunday.
Steelers Injury Report
Ben Roethlisberger, QB: questionable (pectoral/right shoulder)
Except for their first game, it seems Ben Roethlisberger has shown up on the injury report each week; however, he has not missed any playing time and manages to suit up. Now while his hip may have healed, it seems he injured his right shoulder in addition to the nagging pectoral injury. While the Steelers only had a walk-through, they still reported it as a normal full practice. As typical, Roethlisberger sat out, but again, that is commonplace for him. Though listed as questionable, it seems highly unlikely he will miss the game with the Lions barring anything unforeseen.
Chase Claypool, WR: questionable (toe)
Pittsburgh’s most significant injury, next to JuJu’s injury, could have spelled offensive disaster going down the stretch. Chase left late in the game without any word as to what happened. Later it was reported he suffered a turf toe injury and would need an MRI. The MRI, however, revealed there was no severe damage. Now Claypool is listed day to day, although there is some contention about how much playing time he could miss. While he could return for the Lions game, some think he could still miss at least one or more games. At least not the remainder of the season. If he sits out against the Lions, do not be overly surprised.
Eric Ebron TE: questionable (hamstring)
Ebron for the Wednesday practice had a limited practice designation. In conjunction, Coach Tomlin said Ebron had a good week last week, and they will look at how well he performs and use that as a guide as to what role he plays in the upcoming game. One could assume Ebron may at least suit up this week, but it’s hard to say how much playing time he gets, especially since Freiermuth has become the number one tight end. Look for Ebron to possibly return this week.
Robert Spillane LB: questionable (ankle)
Listed as having a full practice for Wednesday, it’s unlikely he suffered anything severe, and the Steelers do not anticipate any missed game time. His inclusion could not cause any concern, and thus fans should expect him to play Sunday.
Cam Heyward DT: questionable (ankle)
After having a big game against the Bears, he left the game late without any report about what happened. That said, the Steelers had him marked as a full practice for Wednesday, so there should not be cause for alarm. It would be surprising if he missed any playing time.
Isaiah Buggs DT: questionable (hip)
Buggs seems to be on the injury list under the same circumstances and Heyward and Spillane. Listed as a full practice, it seems his listing like the aforementioned Steelers is merely a cautionary tale. Fan’s at this juncture should not have much concern as to whether he plays on Sunday.
For the latest developments on any injuries, either with the Steelers or their opponents, the Detroit Lions, you can always check Pittsburgh’s official injury report. Headed into this game, Claypool looks as if he is the only player who could miss playing time, which could definitely detriment the passing game. Yet the Steelers still have Diontae Johnson, and certainly, Najee Harris would probably get more passes as well. Even if Claypool misses the game, the Steelers should still handle the Lions with relative ease.