Linebacker Stevenson Sylvester considers himself 'lucky' to be listed as 'day-to-day' after having his ankle rolled by Markus Wheaton in the Pittsburgh Steelers first preseason game against the New York Giants, but he wasn't the only lucky one.
Sylvester was supposed to take the field on defense after the play in which he was injured. Because he was unable to proceed, the remainder of the inside linebacker depth chart saw extra opportunities and made the most of each one.
Sylvester spoke with Teresa Varley of the Steelers official team website about his good fortune with his ankle, and the missed opportunities from missing game time.
"It’s definitely frustrating. You always want to be out there. You have to deal with it and know it’s the game of football and injuries happen and you have to take it as you can and just get ready to go back the next time around."
While Sylvester sat out, Vince Williams, Marshall McFadden and Brian Rolle stood up. Even Kion Wilson and Terence Garvin outplayed previous expectations. The coaches can only make roster decisions based on what takes place on the field. Those not on the field suffer a disadvantage when those playing make the most of every snap.
Sylvester will have three more preseason games to prove to the team he is needed, but his position battle competitors will have the same opportunities to get a leg up on him, while he remains down with an ankle.
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