Steelers hopeful to get injured players back vs. the Broncos in Week 5

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team who is reeling after their 27-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 4, but to make matters worse the team is dealing with a constant rash of injuries at key positions.

As the Week 5 game vs. the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field approaches, Mike Tomlin spoke with media about the upcoming game. On top of trying to snap the three-game losing streak they are on, Tomlin addressed the injury status of several players.

For the players who were injured in-game last Sunday, Tomlin didn’t have much of an update on injuries to both Cam Sutton (groin) and Kevin Dotson (hip flexor). Tomlin did add that Ben Roethlisberger is dealing with a hip injury from the game, and all three of these players could be restricted in the early portions of the week. As always, practice participation will be the guide for any of the aforementioned players getting back on the field.

Tomlin added how two players who missed the Packers game with injuries will start to work their way back to the lineup. This doesn’t mean it is a guarantee they are back, but when it comes to Chuks Okorafor (concussion) and Chase Claypool (hamstring) the Steelers could benefit from getting both players back on the field.

Lastly, Tomlin spoke about Zach Banner (knee) continuing his journey back to work. Last week the Steelers started the 21-day clock for Banner to return, and Tomlin stated the team will continue to monitor his work. When will Banner return? That decision to make whether he is activated will depend on both the quantity and quality of his work. The Steelers will be getting Banner infused into the process to see where he is from his recovery after tearing his ACL in Week 1 of the 2020 regular season.

The Steelers will hopefully get several of these players back, especially those along the offensive line, before facing Von Miller and the Broncos’ pass rush this Sunday. The team’s first reported practice will be Wednesday, so be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the next challenge in the 2021 regular season.

For more information form head coach Mike Tomlin’s press conference, check out the BTSC press conference recap podcast below.