3 Steelers downgraded to out vs. the Colts, make necessary roster moves

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their Week 16 matchup at Heinz Field against the Indianapolis Colts. Dealing with multiple injuries, the Steelers made some roster moves as well as injury status updates ahead of the game.

First, the Steelers downgraded three players who were listed as questionable to now being out for Sunday’s game.

The downgrade of linebacker Marcus Allen is not surprising as he did not practice all week due to the shoulder injury he sustained on Monday night. The possibility of losing Chris Boswell came about late in the week when he popped up on the injury report on Thursday with a groin injury. As for Olasunkanmi Adeniyi, he was able to practice in a limited fashion on Friday after missing the first two practices of the week with a shoulder injury.

With the Steelers more than likely having an outside linebacker on the inactive list, the unavailability of Adeniyi did not require a roster move. But with the loss of Allen and Boswell, the Steelers announced one practice squad elevation and another signing to the 53-man roster.

With the Steelers only having two healthy inside linebackers in Vince Williams and Avery Williamson, Tegray Scales was signed the 53-man roster off of their practice squad. Scales was elevated from the Steelers practice squad the last two weeks but has not played any defensive snaps. In a corresponding move, the Steelers waved offensive lineman Derwin Gray. The Steelers 7th round draft pick in 2019, Gray played left guard for the Steelers on Monday night on a rotating basis with J.C. Hassenauer due to the absence of Matt Feiler and Kevin Dotson. Dotson carries no injury status for Sunday and is expected to get the start.

The Steelers also elevated kicker Matthew Wright from the practice squad to take over the kicking duties for Chris Boswell. Wright kicked for the Steelers in Week 13 against the Washington Football Team when Boswell was injured. In the game, Wright connected on two extra points and had a 37-yard field goal. Unfortunately, late in the contest when the game was tied, the Steelers opted not to attempt a 46-yard field goal but instead attempted and failed to get a first down on 4th and one.

Stay tuned to BTSC for continued coverage as the Steelers prepare to take on the Indianapolis Colts Sunday afternoon at Heinz Field.