Predicting the Steelers’ Week 13 inactive list vs. Washington

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set the face off against the Washington Football Team Monday evening at 5:00 PM. Currently, the Pittsburgh Steelers only have 51 players on the roster as players who were elevated as a Covid replacement were returned to the practice squad after lat Wednesday’s game. So while there is the possibility of only three inactives, the Steelers will add two players (a kicker and an offensive lineman most likely) and the expected five-man inactive list will be announced.

There are new rules in 2020 when it comes to the players active on game day. As long as a team has eight offensive lineman who will be dressing for the game, they could have 48 players on their active roster rather than the 46 in previous seasons. So unless the Steelers elevate any players from their practice squad, there inactive list should only be five players.

NOTE: If there is a change to the projected number of inactive players after the release of the projected inactives, it will be updated to reflect the move.

Game Status

Doubtful:
CB Steven Nelson (knee)
K Chris Boswell (hip)

Questionable:
QB Ben Roethlisberger (not injury replated/knee)

Here are the possibilities to end up inactive for Week 13:

Definitely:

None (although the doubtful designations might as well be here)

Most Likely:

CB Steven Nelson- It wasn’t until coach Tomlin’s press conference Thursday where it was even know Nelson was having an issue with his knee. Being doubtful and not out is a positive thing for future weeks, but I don’t see a scenario with the Steelers give Nelson a helmet this time.

K Chris Boswell- Added to the injury report Saturday and downgraded to doubtful on Sunday, the Steelers can’t really risk Boswell coming up with an injury mid game so he’ll probably just sit this one out.

QB Josh Dobbs- Another week, another inactive. Make it 13 for 13.

TE Kevin Rader- Getting a game paycheck is the nice thing for Rader. Actually getting a helmet in 2020 would not be a good sign for Steelers’ fans as someone else would have to be injured.

Possibly:

DT Isaiah Buggs- I don’t see the Steelers dressing seven defensive linemen, so one’s probably going to be left out. Isaiah Buggs only played six snaps last week, so it could be him.

DT Carlos Davis- Even worse off than Buggs, Davis only played four snaps on defense in Week 12.

Unlikely:

DT Henry Mondeaux- The biggest reason Mondeaux would be earning a helmet has everything to do with his additional special teams snaps.

QB Ben Roethlisberger- Is there anybody who realistically believes Ben Roethlisberger isn’t playing in this game even though he has a questionable status? It’s only because he was given practice off for the week as to why he’s listed. But look for #7 to be commanding the Steelers’ huddle Monday at 5 PM.

Projected Inactive List:

1. Steven Nelson
2. Chris Boswell
3. Josh Dobbs
4. Kevin Rader
5. Carlos Davis

First of all, I believe kicker Matthew Wright will be elevated from the practice squad for this game. Also, an offensive lineman has to fill out the roster to give to the Steelers 48 active players. Whether or not it will be Anthony Coyle yet again or if one of the two linemen on the Reserve/COVID-19 List becomes available remains to be seen. As for the names on the list, it’s the doubtful players and the two locks for now. The final spot goes to one of the defensive lineman, and I’m going with the guy that played the lease snaps last week in Davis.

UPDATE: The Steelers have activated three players ahead of Monday’s game. Jerald Hawkins has come off of the Reserve/COVID-19 List while Matthew Wright and Anthony Coyle have been elevated from the practice squad. The Steelers will need to have six players inactive for the game, and whether it is Coyle or Hawkins is anyone’s guess.

As always, feel free to list your projected inactives in the comments below.