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The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t just lost three games in a row, but they have lost key pieces of their puzzle to injury. Whether it be losses at inside linebacker or guard, there are positions on the current roster which have been ravaged with injury.
After the Steelers’ loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, the injury news continued to get worse as the team prepares for the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field on a short week.
During Mike Tomlin’s typical Tuesday press conference, he outlined the injury situation the team faces heading into Week 16. There was some good news to come out of the press conference, and first was an update on players who missed Week 15 for various reasons.
Tomlin said Vince Williams will start the “ramp up” process as he attempts to return from the COVID-19/Reserve List, and this will be a welcome sight for the Steelers defense at the inside linebacker position. Also, both James Conner (quadriceps) and Kevin Dotson (shoulder) should begin the process of working their way back this week. As always, their practice participation will dictate their overall availability Sunday.
There was no news on Derek Watt, who was placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol after a vicious collision on a punt return in the first quarter of the game Monday night, or Eric Ebron, who left with a back injury. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Ebron avoided serious injury, and could play against his former team this Sunday when the Colts come to Pittsburgh.
#Steelers TE Eric Ebron should be OK after a huge hit to his back and side knocked him out of Monday night’s loss to the #Bengals, source said. No organ damage. Short week before another big game Sunday against the #Colts.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 22, 2020
Other than those aforementioned players, a pair of players who left the game Monday night were left off the report given by Tomlin. Marcus Allen with a stinger and Ulysees Gilbert III with an ankle both returned to the game and look to be lumped into the “bumps and bruises” category moving forward.
Want more information on the Mike Tomlin press conference? Check out the Press Conference Recap podcast below when it is ready, and stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the Colts on Sunday at Heinz Field.