Injuries are a part of the game of football, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are no exception to this circumstance. They head into Week 5 of their season against the Indianapolis Colts with some players missing from their lineup.
Although this could hinder their chances of victory, you could also view players missing due to injury as a terrific opportunity for some players further down the depth chart to show everyone what they can do.
With roster politics in play, it will be interesting to see what specific players can do in elevated roles now that injuries have opened up spots. Some wide receivers should get bigger roles and get more targets in a big game against the Colts. Along the offensive line, they will be counted on to have a bounce-back game this week.
It has been a rough start to the season for the Steelers' secondary, and their safeties have been a tough watch.
All signs point to rookie Robert Spears-Jennings getting an expanded role as DeShon Elliott continues to work his way back from injury. If Spears-Jennings has a strong effort on defense, he could get more snaps than anyone expected. If he flops, then expect them to live with Rayshawn Jenkins until Elliott returns.
Pittsburgh Steelers who need to perform vs. Colts to hang onto their spots on the depth chart
Germie Bernard
You need to earn Aaron Rodgers' trust if you want the ball, and Germie Bernard has shown some signs of quality play early in his rookie season. With Michael Pittman Jr. on Injured Reserve due to his foot injury, both Bernard and Roman Wilson will be moving up the depth chart. Bernard has a shot at not only getting more snaps on offense, but he could push Pittman Jr. for his starting job if all goes well.
Yahya Black
Losing Derrick Harmon right before you play Jonathan Taylor is a tough blow, but Pittsburgh has a list of defensive linemen on the roster who have shown they can defend the run.
It's time for Yahya Black and others to step up for this defense. He is a massive defensive tackle who should help slow Taylor down. With some pieces missing up front, Black needs to step up, as he is starting to run out of time to show he deserves more playing time.
Brock Hoffman
After a strong start when he first got promoted to the top spot on the depth chart, Brock Hoffman saw his performance take a dip. He needs to rely on his experience and play smart and effective football like him, and Max Iheanachor did a couple of weeks ago. The Colts have some strong pieces up front, but this should be a perfect opportunity to rebound.
Sadly, the Steelers don't have many options to push Hoffman for his job right now, but if he struggles, they might find someone else.
Robert Spears-Jennings
This is going to be a massive week for Robert Spears-Jennings. Pittsburgh needs their safeties to step up, especially with the numerous injuries in the secondary. Since Rayshawn Jenkins has struggled mightily, the Steelers have no other roster option to replace him but Spears-Jennings. This game against Indianapolis is going to be huge for how the team views him going forward.
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