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The Pittsburgh Steelers are 8-2, and were just dealt a huge blow with news of offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert being suspended for four games due to violating the NFL’s strict substance abuse policy, but more specifically the performance-enhancing substance policy.
Steelers OT Marcus Gilbert suspended four games for violating performance-enhancing substance policy.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 20, 2017
Gilbert has fought hamstring injuries the entire season, and after looking as if he would be back and ready to go the past two weeks, this news will hinder the team’s depth at the right tackle position.
In Gilbert’s absence will be Chris Hubbard. Due to Gilbert’s health issues this season, Hubbard has seen the field a lot, but now the question will become which player will step up to be the depth at the tackle position for the next four weeks.
Matt Feiler and Jerald Hawkins are both currently on the active roster, but Hawkins has been inactive every week, and Feiler has seen very little playing time since being promoted to the 53-man roster.
Gilbert is now slated to miss the following games: vs. Green Bay, at Cincinnati, vs. Baltimore and vs. New England.
A tough pill to swallow for the players, organization and the fan base, but Gilbert is not planning on appealing the suspension, per the Steelers.
Steelers GM Colbert: "We are disappointed . . . He will not appeal
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) November 20, 2017
Stay tuned to BTSC for more on this story as it unfolds...