4 Steelers out for Thursday Night Football matchup with the Vikings
The Steelers still have lingering injury issues this week, and at least four players will miss tonight’s game with the Vikings.
As the games become increasingly important, the injuries always loom large, especially when you’re fighting to make a wild card position to avoid sitting home for the playoffs. This game against the Vikings is almost a must-win for the black and gold, and missing four more players, including Joe Haden, makes that a difficult task.
Will they win? They can; however, the Vikings are always a difficult opponent, and injuries never help. Here are the Steelers on this week’s injury list:
Joe Haden CB: OUT (foot)
Having struggled with a foot injury Joe Haden is poised to miss another game. However, his absence will loom large tonight. A game in which you have a pass-happy quarterback in Kirk Cousins. Fortunately, the Steelers’ backups have done a good job with the pass coverage despite his absence.
Robert Spillane LB: OUT (knee)
Spillane has not practiced this week, having injured his knee, and the Steelers ruled him out for this matchup. With the rushing yardage allowed this season, not having Spillane will not help. Fortunately, the Vikings have Dalvin Cook listed as questionable, and if he does not play, the Steelers may catch a break this week.
B.J. Finney C/G: OUT (back)
Another blow to the struggling Steelers offensive line that could undoubtedly use Finney’s help, if anything else, to open holes for Najee Harris. Still, it is a strain anytime they miss anyone on the offensive line, especially if any active lineman gets injured. Still, the Steelers’ offensive line has managed to do a decent job this season.
Isaiah Buggs DE: OUT (ankle)
Buggs injured his ankle and has not been able to practice this week. With Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt playing, his absence should be minimized, with Henry Mondeaux and Isaiahh Loudermilk seeing more snaps.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB: questionable (pectoral/right shoulder)
It Seems like Big Ben has been on the injury report all year and yet has managed to play every week, except when he contracted COVID. So despite being on the list, do not expect Ben to miss tonight’s game.
Chase Claypool, WR: questionable (toe)
While still having a nagging toe injury, it has not impacted his playing time much, and he has practiced all week do despite the questionable tag. Expect him to play in tonight’s matchup.
This week, the Steelers will get a little boost as Vikings rookie offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw will be out, as well as Adam Thielen, which helps the Steelers pass rush and their secondary. You can check the Steelers website for any last-minute updates to the injury report. Let’s hope the Steelers will be able to upend the Vikings in this contest tonight.