Steelers injury report: OG Kevin Dotson could be returning soon

Kevin Dotson is set to start practicing with the team and could be returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers starting lineup in the near future. 

With the season on the line, the Pittsburgh Steelers need every able-bodied man at their disposal. While we would love nothing more than to have Stephon Tuitt come back and help this struggling run defense down the stretch, we will settle for the next best thing.

Recently, Mike Tomlin shed some light on the health of a few Steelers players. Though sensational rookie tight end, Pat Freiermuth, remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol, staring offensive guard, Kevin Dotson is in the window to return from IR and it’s possible he could return to the field soon, Ray Fittapaldo reports.

Dotson left the Lions game back in Week 10 after playing just 33 snaps. It was later confirmed that he had suffered a high ankle sprain. This isn’t an injury that players quickly recover from — which is exactly why the second-year left guard is just now able to return to the practice field.

Though the window is now open for Dotson to resume practicing with his team, this doesn’t necessarily mean that he will be ready to go soon, and it could take him some time to get back up to speed.

The Steelers, meanwhile, have an all-important road game against the red-hot Kansas City Chiefs this week, and could really use his services. In his stead, Pittsburgh has attempted to fill the void with a couple of different players, but they are currently down to their fifth option at the guard position in John Leglue.

Leglue turned some heads a few weeks back with a few impressive blocks in the running game, but the overall results of his performances have not been very promising. On the other hand, Kevin Dotson was arguably the best offensive lineman on the team this year prior to his injury and the Steelers would love to have him back soon.

Other Steelers injury updates

Dotson isn’t the only player who is set to return to practice. Fellow offensive lineman J.C. Hassenaur is practicing after suffering a shoulder injury back in November.

Unfortunately, Mike Tomlin also noted that Chris Wormley is being evaluated with a groin injury while Isaiah Buggs is getting his ankle re-evaluated after it looked like he was on track to return to the field in Week 15. There is still no update on Stephon Tuitt’s status.

The Steelers season is coming down to the wire and their playoff hopes hang by a thread. Let’s hope this team gets healthy fast in order to make a strong push late in the season.