The Pittsburgh Steelers are about to start another work week, which means Mike Tomlin held his weekly news conference Tuesday at the team's UPMC Rooney Practice Facility. One of the biggest items of discussion on the docket wasn't the team's 31-13 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, or the upcoming Week 6 game against the Miami Dolphins. Instead, a large majority of time was spent talking about injuries.
The injury bug continues to do it's part in trying to keep the Steelers from being able to field a complete team week in and week out, and Tomlin outlined some of the injuries the team is facing heading into this week of work.
Day-to-Day
Ryan Shazier (knee)
Robert Golden (hamstring)
Marcus Gilbert (ankle)
Sammie Coates (hand)
Eli Rogers (toe)
Roosevelt Nix (back)
Markus Wheaton (shoulder)
Justin Gilbert (knee)
DeAngelo Williams (knee)
Highly Questionable
Cody Wallace (knee)
Out
Cameron Heyward (knee)
Shamarko Thomas (groin)
It had been reported team captain Cameron Heyward would be out of the lineup for 2-3 weeks, but Tomlin stated if you know Heyward he has a way of getting back prior to expectations. It seems logical for Heyward to miss the Dolphins and New England Patriots game, enjoy the bye week and come back in Week 9 ready to play the Baltimore Ravens. In Tomlin's words, he will take it week to week, but Heyward's consecutive games streak will end this Sunday when the team travels to South Beach.
The Steelers would benefit from getting a few starters back in the lineup, especially players like Robert Golden and Eli Rogers. The team has played well under the circumstances, but anything can happen on any given day in the NFL.
Some surprises to the injury report were Markus Wheaton's shoulder being considered an issue again, as well as DeAngelo Williams' knee placing him on the injury report. As always, these players will be evaluated and practice participation will be the ultimate gauge of their availability in Week 6.
Tomlin was also asked about Ladarius Green, which his response was short, "He's doing great." Green is eligible to return to the team after Sunday, if he is deemed healthy enough to contribute.
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