Steve McLendon injury: Steelers nose tackle goes down with left leg injury in third quarter

The Steelers held a 14-0 lead and largely dominated the game in the first half.

That may change with the injury to nose tackle Steve McLendon, who went down with a left leg injury in the third quarter.

Cleveland had just begun putting a quality drive together, running well and completing passes when McLendon hit the ground. It could be the same ankle he's had problems with over the last few games.

He limped slowly off the field with 10:12 left in the third quarter, Cleveland having the ball at Pittsburgh's 39 yard line. He was eventually taken into the locker room on a cart.

Al Woods will likely replace him in Pittsburgh's base defense.

The Steelers have had an outstanding offensive game up to this point, and its defense, though gouged a bit on a few plays, has held up well in rainy conditions in Heinz Field. Pittsburgh could still qualify for the postseason with a win and losses by Baltimore, Miami and San Diego.