Predicting the Steelers’ Week 14 inactive list vs. the Raiders

For the first time all season a running back will be inactive and a receiver will not. As some players get back on the field, others will resume their normal roles as Sunday spectators.

Game Status

Out:

OT Marcus Gilbert (knee)

RB James Conner

Questionable:

LB Anthony Chickillo (Ankle)

S Morgan Burnett (back)

Here are the possibilities to end up inactive for Week 14:

Definitely:

OT Marcus Gilbert- if they had to do over again, I’m sure the Steelers would have placed Marcus Gilbert on IR where he could return later in the season. Instead he takes up a roster spot which could be used for depth elsewhere.

RB James Conner- Steelers Nation is eager for Conner to return, hopefully next week. With him being ruled out this past Monday, it does not bode well for Connor to be ready for Week 15.

Most Likely:

QB Mason Rudolph- with every game being important at this point, Rudolph should only be dressing in case of a terrible emergency.

OT Zach Banner- having Banner as an extra lineman on the 53-man roster may be why the Steelers didn’t place Marcus Gilbert on the IR. He’s the insurance policy who has cemented himself as a inactive list regular.

DT L.T. Walton- his role for 2018 has been clearly defined: be ready to step in if anyone is injured. Everyone is healthy this week, so Walton gets the day off.

S Marcus Allen- finally dressing for a game last week, Marcus Allen logged 17 defensive snaps with an additional nine on special teams. But since both Morgan Burnett and Cam Sutton appear to be back for this week, Marcus goes back to watching from the sidelines.

Possibly:

LB Anthony Chickillo- after being held out the first two days of practice, Chickillo was a full participant on Friday. With a questionable designation, he looks to be a game-time decision although he has already stated he will be ready to play.

CB Brian Allen- only seeing the field on special teams, Brian Allen most likely sits out when the entire secondary is healthy. Unless Chickillo or Burnet can’t go, Brian probably will be the odd man out.

Unlikely:

S Morgan Burnett- he was a full participant every day this week, but somehow Burnet still ended up with a questionable designation. I was surprised he was on the game status list at all as I see him being able to go.

Projected Inactive List:

1. Mason Rudolph
2. Marcus Gilbert
3. James Conner
4. Zach Banner
5. L.T. Walton
6. Marcus Allen
7. Brian Allen

As much as last week had a lot of possibilities, Week 14 is shaping up to be pretty straight forward. With only five wide receivers on the roster, they are not even mentioned this week. The only question comes down to Burnett’s and Chickillo’s injuries. If they both can go, which I think they will, then the Allens fill the final two spots.

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