Predicting the Steelers’ Week 6 inactive list vs. the Bengals

Week 6 is shaping up to be the most predictable inactive list of 2018. For the first time since opening weekend, players have already been ruled out before game day.

Game Status

Out:

S Morgan Burnett (Groin)

WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (ankle)

Doubtful:

LB L.J. Fort

Here are the possibilities to end up inactive for Week 6:

Definitely:

S Morgan Burnett- his last action came in Week 2, so it makes sense to hold Burnett out until after the bye.

WR Darrius Heyward-Bey- Coach Tomlin said the was a chance Hey-Bey could have practiced this week, which has been the only positive news since the injury.

Most Likely:

QB Mason Rudolph- the bright side is Rudolph is due to get some extra work in practice while Ben Roethlisberger takes time off during the bye week.

LB L.J. Fort- it’s really unfortunate that Fort will probably sit out this week. After a great performance last Sunday, he was pushing to have a bigger role in the rotation.

DT L.T. Walton- he is entrenched at this spot on the depth chart until injuries change the situation.

OT Zach Banner- this is why I originally had the Steelers only keeping eight linemen on the 53-man roster. If they ever make a roster move, Banner would be a candidate to end up on the practice squad.

S Marcus Allen- I have no idea what the Steelers’ plan is for Allen. Whether it’s if he’s not ready or for some other reason, there seems to be no interest is dressing him. Much like Zach Banner, Allen should be grateful every week he’s on the 53.

Possibly:

OT Matt Feiler- it is definitely a luxury to dress eight linemen, but right now the Steelers have the space to do it if three players are out due to injury.

Unlikely:

CB Brian Allen- he played well on special teams last week, so until Morgan Burnett returns Allen should be safe.

WR Justin Hunter- if there are no injuries, Hunter is inactive. But Darrius Heyward-Bey has already been ruled out, so Hunter will dress and get some snaps.

Projected Inactive List:

1. Mason Rudolph
2. Morgan Burnett
3. Darrius Heyward-Bey
4. L.J. Fort
5. L.T. Walton
6. Zach Banner
7. Marcus Allen

I’m calling six of these choices “locks.” The only one which could be a surprise is if L.J. Fort makes an unexpected recovery. If so, it would probably be Matt Feiler who would be the replacement.

Feel free to list your projected inactives in the comments below.