Steelers Injury Report: Pair of starters likely out of the lineup vs. the Falcons

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in near must-win territory with a 1-2-1 record, and even though there are a lot of games left to be played, wins now are necessary. To do this the Steelers may need all hands on deck to beat the visiting Atlanta Falcons at Heinz Field in Week 5.

Sadly, it doesn’t look as if that will be possible.

Injuries are inevitable, but there are players, and positions, where injuries become more of an issue. Two particularly important positions are safety and inside linebacker.

Unfortunately, these are two positions for which the Steelers have suffered injuries to players who likely won’t be in the lineup come game time. The two players of note are Vince Williams (hamstring) and Morgan Burnett (groin).

Burnett, who was expected to be a starter this season, has sat more than he has played so far this season; his absence puts a stress on young players who are still finding their way in the big league - players like Terrell Edmunds, who is now thrust into the starting role alongside Sean Davis.

The Steelers injury report isn’t as bad as other teams, and for that fans should be thankful, but it is looking as if the Steelers will be without Darrius Heyward-Bey (ankle), Williams and Burnett for the upcoming. It is good to see players like Mike Hilton (elbow), Chris Boswell (foot) and Marcus Gilbert (hamstring) will all be ready to go when the game kicks off at Heinz Field this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

For the complete injury report for both teams, check below, courtesy of the Steelers official website:

Pittsburgh Steelers

Game Status
S Morgan Burnett (Groin) - Doubtful
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Ankle) - Doubtful
LB Vince Williams (Hamstring) - Doubtful

Atlanta Falcons

Game Status
DE Derrick Shelby (Groin) - Out
CB Justin Bethal (Knee) - Out
DT Grady Jarrett (Ankle/Knee) - Out