Steelers defensive injuries after the Jets game reach a critical level

The good news is the Steelers have no major injuries to offensive players this season. The bad news is that injuries keep mounting defensively.

With T.J. Watt still on the injury list for at least one to two weeks at a minimum. The Steelers could ill afford to have many more defensive injuries, especially since the Steelers defense failed in a major way to stop the jets from scoring on their last two possessions to keep them from winning  Sunday’s game.

The Jets did not do the Steelers any favors in that regard, as four more defensive starters sustained injuries, raising concerns about who will be available to play the Bills this Sunday. Certainly, you do not want to face Josh Allen when your pass rushers and your secondary is missing most of the starters. That scenario does not bode well, as even if you have all of your starters, Josh Allen can score at will with that high-powered Buffalo offense.

Now there is a bright spot in that the Bills also have numerous injuries, which could allow the Steelers a chance to remain competitive Sunday. Here is the latest injury report.

Ahkello Witherspoon CB: questionable (hamstring)

Witherspoon missed the Jets game, and according to Theresa Varley, he may miss the Bills game too. The number of defensive backs poised to miss time potentially does not bode well as the Steelers have to face Josh Allen. Considering that he did not practice Wednesday, he likely does not play against the Bills.

Cam Sutton CB:  questionable (groin/hamstring)

By nature, hamstrings and groin injuries are always problematic; having both is not a particularly good sign. The upside here is that Cam Sutton did have a limited practice which is a positive sign that the injuries are not overly serious. If Sutton can have a full practice by Friday, possibly he can return Sunday.

Levi Wallace S: questionable (foot)

Somewhere between Sunday and Wednesday, Wallace sustained a foot injury. He did have limited practice; thus, it seems the injury is likely not serious, so he should be eligible to play on Sunday.

Cam Heyward DT: questionable (ankle/elbow)

This is his second week appearing on the injury list for different injuries. He injured his elbow against the jets forcing him to leave the game shortly but later re-entered the game. The Steelers held him to a limited practice, probably more of a precautionary measure. Knowing Cam Heyward, if there is any way he can play, he will.

Chris Wormley DL: questionable (ankle)

There was no talk after the Jets game that Wormley had tweaked his ankle during the game, but the Steelers listed him in the injury report. Considering he still practiced the injury does not seem overly serious. It would be surprising if the injury keeps him from playing the Bills.

Minkah Fitzpatrick S: questionable (knee)

Perhaps the second most serious injury on the list, his knee injury was serious enough to keep him out of practice Wednesday. If he returns to practice by Friday, there is a chance he could play Sunday, but right now, don’t be overly optimistic he can return in time as you will want the check the Steelers injury update Friday afternoon for sure.

Terell Edmunds S: questionable (concussion)

Edmunds is the second player with a concussion in as many weeks. As of Wednesday, he did not return to practice; thus, he is still in concussion protocol. Knowing all players respond to concussions differently at this point, possibly he misses time on Sunday. However, keep an eye on the official Steelers injury report; if he returns to practice on Thursday or Friday, then perhaps he can clear concussion protocol in time.

Calvin Austin WR: Out (foot)

Austin finds his name back on the report only because he hit the 21-day window in which he can return to practice and the Steelers can evaluate him. If the Steelers activate him in that 21 days, he will return for the remainder of the season. However, if he is not activated, he would have to say on the injured reserve list for the rest of the season.

With all the defensive injuries, expect the Steelers defense to have a long afternoon regardless of whether they win or lose. Nevertheless, keep an eye on the official injury report for any last-minute updates.