Colts’ starting RT Braden Smith put on COVID-19/Reserve List

The Pittsburgh Steelers are struggling. No other way around it, and the Steelers can use all the help they can get to end their three-game losing streak and clinch the AFC North championship.

The help the Steelers could use came from an unlikely place as news broke Friday of the Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers’ opponent in Week 16, placed their starting right tackle Braden Smith on the COVID-19/Reserve List.

With the Colts down a starting tackle, it means T.J. Watt will have a very favorable matchup at Heinz Field Sunday. This for a Colts team who does a tremendous job protecting Philip Rivers.

Players going on the COVID-19/Reserve List is just another way the 2020 season has been completely unpredictable. Whether it be outbreaks of the Tennessee Titans or Baltimore Ravens, or individual players missing games on the day of a game, like Maurkice Pouncey prior to the Ravens game at Heinz Field.

The Steelers could really use a big win Sunday, as it would not just win the AFC North, but make the 3rd seed in the AFC Playoff Picture the worst they could do heading into the postseason. The loss of Smith should be a big advantage for the elite Steelers’ defense.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the Colts Sunday in Week 16.