Inactives for @Steelers: QB Jones, WR JBrown, CB Taylor, SS Polamalu; DE Geathers, G Hubbard, TE Spaeth
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) December 21, 2014
As the Steelers try to make the playoffs for the first time since 2011, they will be without some of their most playoff experienced players for at least one of the final two games.
Strong safety Troy Polamalu won't suit up Sunday against the Chiefs after he suffered a knee injury last week. Joining his fellow 2003 draftee is cornerback Ike Taylor. Taylor missed the Falcons game and will miss the Chiefs game as well because of a shoulder/forearm injury.
Will Allen will most likely replace Polamalu in the starting lineup and Brice McCain will also most likely start for Taylor for a second week in-a-row. Defensive back B.W. Webb will receive a hat this week because of Taylor's injury.
Tight end Matt Spaeth is inactive after suffering an elbow injury against the Falcons. While he isn't a receiving threat, Spaeth is underrated for the role he plays in the run game. The Steelers may employ an extra tackle in the run game as an extra tight end in Spaeth's role. Running back Dri Archer takes Spaeth's roster spot on the active roster.
The return of offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert sends guard Chris Hubbard back to the inactive list as the Steelers just don't dress that many offensive lineman. Gilbert will have the tough test of facing Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston who has 17 sacks on the season.
Defensive end Clifton Geathers won't be making his Steelers debut this week and he most likely won't be making an appearance for the Steelers at all this season unless injury occurs.
Joining Geathers as healthy scratches are quarterback Landry Jones and receiver Justin Brown.