The 5: Steelers to watch as they try to rebound in “Ravens week”
Every week, ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ regular-season games, Steel City Underground will analyze the depth chart, injury reports, and key matchups against their upcoming opponent in order to point out “The 5” – Steelers players to watch.
After the absolute flogging the Pittsburgh Steelers took in Week 12 of the NFL regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers utilized one of their rare late-season practices in pads after head coach Mike Tomlin expressed disappointment in the players’ lack of execution in Cincinnati. How that translates is anyone’s guess. If the Steelers are to regain any semblance of identity and competitiveness, they’ll need the following five players to lead the charge against the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens.
Cameron Heyward
Heyward has been one of the lone, bright stars this season, giving extra effort – not only at defensive end but also at nose tackle, as asked – and his veteran leadership will be key once again against the Baltimore Ravens.
Without Tyson Alualu and Stephon Tuitt beside him along the defensive line, Heyward has been asked to play with Isaiah Buggs, Henry Mondeaux, Chris Wormley, and Isaiahh Loudermilk in rotation with mixed results.
The Steelers added Daniel Archibong and Montravius Adams this week ahead of the game.
How a patchwork defensive line holds up remains to be seen, but the one guy who should be counted on the most to keep the tempo will be Heyward.
Alex Highsmith
Highsmith hasn’t always made the biggest splash when his counterpart in T.J. Watt hasn’t also been active. When Watt was placed on the COVID-19 protocols, the outside pressure cooled.
Watt, who didn’t look fully recovered from a hip and knee injury when he returned, has a chance to get back on track, but during the Ravens game, the test will fall on young outside linebacker Highsmith’s ability to, yet again, step up into a more prominent role in helping contain Lamar Jackson.
Expect Taco Charlton and Derekk Tuszka to also get numerous reps this week.
John Leglue
Added to the 53-man roster this week, Leglue may see playing time right away with J.C. Hassenaeur on the injured/reserved list after suffering a pectoral injury. Leglue spent time at camp with the Steelers in 2020 before being cut. He also spent time with the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers.
The Steelers have their depth chart listed as the following, currently:
Left tackle: Dan Moore Jr., Joe Haeg
Left guard: B.J. Finney, Leglue
Center: Kendrick Green, Finney, Leglue
Right guard: Trai Turner, Finney
Right tackle: Chukwuma Okorafor, Zach Banner (illness kept him from practice Wednesday)
Ben Roethlisberger
Last week, “Big Ben” didn’t have the best game of the season, but he has a tendency to rebound after performances like that. He will absolutely be key to getting the Steelers offense back on track if – and that’s a major if – his offensive line can hold it together.
Roethlisberger likely gets Ray-Ray McCloud back as the young receiver was released from the COVID-19 protocol, but Chase Claypool is dealing with a toe injury that may, or may not, limit his availability. With James Washington nearly invisible, Cody White could play a bigger role this week with Diontae Johnson.
Najee Harris is likely to be spelled by Benny Snell over Kalen Ballage, but don’t count Ballage completely out of a snap or two as Roethlisberger is given as many tools to work with as possible by the Steelers coaching staff.
Roethlisberger will need to remain sharp in Week 13, however. Costly mistakes, like the one fumble lost and two interceptions against the Bengals, will be capitalized upon by a Ravens team that would like to keep their shot at the AFC North title alive.
The Ravens are hurting in their defensive backfield. They currently have four cornerbacks on their injury report. Should Baltimore end up without even half of those players, Roethlisbether should try to exploit the weakness.
Joe Schobert
Not a lot is said about Schobert as he’s been in and out of the rotation at inside linebacker. With Robert Spillane dealing with a knee injury and placed on the COVID-19 protocol as of Thursday, and Devin Bush not showing he’s 100 percent yet after an ACL injury last year, Schobert has quietly been working to become a bigger contributor.
Schobert will be an important part of the defensive equation for the Steelers in limiting big-play ability from Jackson while playing sideline to sideline.
