The Pittsburgh Steelers have reason to be optimistic after a 5-2 start and winning three straight games entering Week 8. But if that wasn't enough, Mike McCarthy just gave fans an update that will inspire hope in the second half of the season.
McCarthy spoke to the media on Thursday, where he informed them that every player currently on IR for the Steelers could return at some point this season, per The Athletic's Mike DeFabo.
This was a pretty broad statement without a lot of context, but the Steelers have some important pieces currently on the Reserve/Injured list that we haven't gotten an update on until just now. And as strong as this team has been playing recently, McCarthy's update could make them even better in the second half of the year.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could soon be at full strength after Mike McCarthy's injury update
The Steelers currently have seven players on IR: wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver Roman Wilson, defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, defensive lineman Logan Lee, offensive lineman Gennings Dunker, and offensive lineman Jack Driscoll.
Lee was placed on season-ending IR in mid-August, before roster cutdowns, so he will not be able to return to the field this year. But everyone else could see a return this season. I should also note that the Steelers currently have Driscoll with a 'Designated to Return' label.
While we haven't gotten any specifics or exact timetables for the rest of their players on IR to return, the Steelers are currently missing five important starters or rotational players who could wind up being part of the team's success late in the year.
Let's start with the offense. Before the injury, Roman Wilson was looking like an integral part of Pittsburgh's passing attack. The speedster showcased the ability to create separation on his breaks and offers explosion to an otherwise pedestrian passing offense.
Defensively, it's astonishing that the Steelers have been able to find success stopping the run without Harmon and Joseph-Day. These two players are pivotal to the defensive line, and we can only assume that they will strengthen the group when they return.
Even Dunker, a third-round rookie, could find himself on the field this season. Dunker suffered an MCL sprain, and technically, he may be able to return at any point. If the Steelers suffer an injury at guard or if Brock Hoffman struggles, Dunker could see the field at some point in the second half of the season.
Individually, the Steelers didn't have a loss they couldn't overcome, but as a collective, they serve an important role as starters and role players who offer depth and security to this roster.
In the NFL, it's all about getting healthy and playing well at the right time. Thankfully, the collection of players on IR should be able to return to the field and give the Pittsburgh Steelers a boost at some point in the near future. And their presence could help raise the ceiling of a team trying to separate themselves from the pack.
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