Steelers Injury Report: Patriots week starts with some injury questions

The Pittsburgh Steelers never make it easy, and they certainly didn’t do that in Week 14 when they led, then trailed and had to come from behind to beat the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football to win their second-straight AFC North title.

However, during the game there were some injuries to note for the Black-and-gold, as they now turn their attention to the New England Patriots in Week 15.

Vance McDonald left the game with a shoulder injury and did not return. It was a shame to see this happen considering McDonald just missed the previous three games with an ankle injury. But he was having himself a tremendous game on Sunday night before leaving again.

Alejandro Villanueva left the game briefly, but was able to return, and what might have been a catastrophic injury was avoided after Le’Veon Bell, who left the game with what appeared to be a knee injury, was able to come back in and be productive the rest of the game.

There are several other injuries to keep an eye on heading into Week 15. For one, Tyler Matakevich’s shoulder injury, in terms of helping with depth at inside linebacker. Also, Joe Haden’s broken leg could be tested this week in practice to see if or when he might come back to help lift a struggling secondary.

The Patriots don’t play until Monday night, but injuries will be key as they head into their preparation for Week 15. Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on these injuries leading up to the biggest game of the 2017 regular season to date.