clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Steelers injury report: Offensive line prepares B squad for Dolphins

The Steelers have been hit by injuries on their offensive line previously, but perhaps never quite as bad as it may be for their AFC showdown with Miami in Week 14.

By Neal Coolong
Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Fernando Velasco, out. Kelvin Beachum (knee), Mike Adams (ankle), David DeCastro (foot), questionable.

Let the triumvirate of Cody Wallace, Eric Olsen and Guy Whimper take center stage.

The Steelers may never have scraped the bottom of the barrel this hard to field a start offensive line. Heading into their critical Week 14 game against the Miami Dolphins, the early portion of the week isn't exactly inspiring. The gaggle of linemen injured doesn't necessarily mean a wholesale change is in store, but if nothing else, multiple starters will be down some practice time.

Their replacements have barely played - over the last two years, not just this season. Wallace and Olsen are essentially career back-ups and Whimper has only played left tackle a handful of snaps since the Steelers acquired him this offseason.

It's unfortunate (all respect being given to those still standing). The Steelers have only allowed one sack in their last three games, and none in their last two as they look to become the first time since 1992 to qualify for the postseason after starting the year 0-4.

They will need to beat Miami (6-6) to do that. With the offensive line having quietly become a strength in a diverse and potent passing game, this massive shake-up may be the exact thing they do not need with the Dolphins, Bengals, Packers and Browns left in what's tantamount to a four-game regular season playoff trial.

The Steelers trail the Ravens and Dolphins by one game in the playoff race, and will need to, at least, beat the remaining AFC teams on their schedule. The possible saving grace is the Steelers play all three of those games at home. But with a patchwork offensive line, it may not be enough to help one of the least balanced offenses in the NFL.

Pittsburgh 11th in the NFL with 225.4 passing yards a game, and 31st with 76.8 rushing yards a game.

More from Behind the Steel Curtain:

More From Behind the Steel Curtain