Predicting the Steelers’ Week 3 inactive list vs. the Buccaneers

It’s a sad weekend for the Steelers when my highlight is correctly choosing the inactive list. I’d rather be 0/7 and get the W, but I’ll give it a shot anyway.

Game Status

Doubtful:

OT Marcus Gilbert(Hamstring)

G David DeCastro (Hand)

S Morgan Burnett (Groin)

Here are the possibilities to end up inactive for Week 3:

Definitely:

Once again, nobody has been officially ruled out for Monday night.

Most Likely:

QB Mason Rudolph- it’s tempting to move Rudolph to the definitely category. It is hopeful he will move into the backup role eventually, but it may not be in 2018.

G David DeCastro- failing to practice either last week or this week, it would be quite the surprise if DeCastro was active.

S Morgan Burnett- his weekly progress was in the wrong direction after practicing in a limited fashion on Thursday. As a nonparticipant the final two days, Burnett is probably sitting this one out.

DT L.T. Walton- after getting a helmet last week with Alualu being out with an injury, Walton is likely to return to his “odd man out” role.

WR Justin Hunter- many people were surprised about Hunter being inactive this early in the season. It was only a matter of time until Washington was getting his reps and the transition occurred last week.

Possibly:

OT Marcus Gilbert or Zach Banner- although Gilbert is doubtful, he did at least practice in a limited fashion on Saturday. It will be a game-time decision whether he will play or Banner will dress for added depth.

S Marcus Allen, Nat Berhe, or CB Cam Sutton- this is a tough call. Allen has not been active yet this season, but with Burnett possibly missing the game he could have the opportunity. Berhe has had little impact on special teams so he could get bumped instead. It was Coty Sensabaugh as the CB who didn’t dress week 1 when all were healthy, but he reportedly could get the start instead of Artie Burns. So does Sutton not even get a helmet after starting last week or do they go with one less safety?

Unlikely:

G Ramon Foster- he was on the injury report early in the week with a knee injury but did not miss any practice time.

DT Tyson Alualu- after missing the last game he was full every practice this week.

DT Stephon Tuitt- he was sick on Friday but returned fully on Saturday and is not listed on the injury report.

Projected Inactive List:

1. Mason Rudolph
2. David DeCastro
3. Morgan Burnett
4. L.T. Walton
5. Justin Hunter
6. Marcus Allen
7. Marcus Gilbert

Once again, I have all players listed as doubtful not playing. The tough call was Marcus Allen over any CB. Ultimately I believe the Steelers can go with only four safeties with Cam Sutton being able to fill in if needed. I also think the Steelers would cut Berhe and promote either Brian Allen or Keon Adams from the practice squad if they were not going to have him active.

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