Availability mixed for injured Steelers to play against Jets
During Mike Tomlin’s weekly press conference, the Steelers head coach answered several questions about the availability of an ever-growing list of injured players. Some players who were ruled out of Sunday’s game could be available for the Jets game this weekend, while several others who were injured during Sunday Night Football, may not make it for October 9th.
Last Sunday, seven Steelers were ruled out early:
- FB Nix
- C Wallace
- CB Golson
- S Golden
- ILB Shazier
- G Foster
- WR Rogers
Defensive Back Sean Davis dressed, but did not play in Sunday’s game, following a week where Davis failed to practice.
Adding to the names above, several other players were injured during the game against Chiefs:
Tomlin noted that participation in practice this week will be “our guide” in whether Ramon Foster, Jarvis Jones, Ryan Shazier, Robert Golden, and Anthony Chickillo play in Sunday’s 1pm start against the Jets. In the same breath, the Steelers head coach also mentioned that all of those players could return; reading between the statements means they should all play unless there are setbacks in practice this week.
DHB is listed as probable at this point with a shoulder injury, but Tomlin said he could return as well.
Adding to that comment, Coach noted that Marcus Gilbert is “highly questionable,” a word he used with several players who sat last game.
This is the biggest question mark of the injury list early into the week: the right tackle position. Gilbert was already playing with an injured elbow and is dealing with what was called a “lower leg injury.”
If Gilbert can’t go, Ryan Harris (also questionable) is his replacement. Harris, who was signed as a swing tackle to backup both Gilbert and Alejandro Villaneuva, is recovering from a hematoma.
Should Harris be ruled out, Chris Hubbard will slide in at right tackle; Hubbard plays every position on the line, but currently earns his paychecks as a center/guard: not an ideal situation for the Steelers if Gilbert and Harris are unavailable Sunday.
Others designated as out are Senquez Golson, Cody Wallace and Eli Rogers: Golson and Wallace come as no surprise, but Rogers’ foot injury appears to linger into another week.
No definitive update was given for FB Roosevelt Nix, who was limited in practice last week, and was also a scratch last Sunday.
Tomlin failed to mention Sean Davis, to which he was later asked during the open questions if the Steelers slot corner, and backup safety, is ready. Tomlin responded that “Sean Davis is healthy” which bodes well for his participation on Sunday.
