Behind the Steel Curtain - Steelers Injury Report: Week 16 vs. Cincinnati BengalsA level-headed news-discussion site with a sense of history and communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47293/steel_curtain_fave.png2012-12-22T07:46:11-05:00http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/rss/stream/35614172012-12-22T07:46:11-05:002012-12-22T07:46:11-05:00Steelers Injury Report: Lewis to play in Week 16
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<figcaption>Tom Pennington</figcaption>
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<p>Some good news, some bad news as the Steelers head into a must-win game against Cincinnati in Week 16.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> have some good news heading into what's basically a Week 16 playoff game against the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bengals</a>. Cornerback <span>Keenan Lewis</span> will play after missing practice time this week due to a hip injury suffered in Pittsburgh's Week 15 loss at Dallas.</p>
<p>They aren't likely to see the return of right tackle Mike Adams, however, thus bringing into question the Steelers' ability to run the ball. Rookie Kelvin Beachum will start his fourth consecutive game, a shade over from fellow rookie <span>David DeCastro</span> - who will make his second career start.</p>
<p>With the amount of movement the Bengals' front seven displays, and different rush angles taken from All-World defensive tackle <span>Geno Atkins</span>, it wouldn't be surprising if Cincinnati attacks the inexperienced side of the Steelers offensive line.</p>
<p>Making things tougher on the Steelers, center <span>Maurkice Pouncey</span> (illness) was limited much of this week, but is expected to play.</p>
<p>The positive status of Lewis, and that of <span>Cortez Allen</span> - he missed the Week 15 game due to a groin injury - provides some relief from anxiety, considering they're already without CB <span>Ike Taylor</span>, who's at least another week away from returning from a broken leg he suffered in Week 13.</p>
<p>Outside linebacker <span>James Harrison</span> (illness) was sidelined much of this week, as was cornerback <span>Curtis Brown</span> (knee), but both are expected to dress against Cincinnati.</p>
<p><span>Cameron Heyward</span> (not injury related), <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> (shoulder) and <span>Al Woods</span> (illness) all missed time but are listed as probable for Sunday's game.</p>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/12/22/3794746/steelers-injury-report-status-week-16-cincinnati-bengals-active-listNeal Coolong2012-12-20T20:20:23-05:002012-12-20T20:20:23-05:00Steelers Injury Report: Keenan Lewis out Thursday
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<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Twenty-four hours after assuring the world that he would be able to shadow the Bengals best receiver, the Steelers best available cornerback shadowed only the sidelines during practice.</p> <p>As the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> spent Thursday preparing for their all important rematch against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> in week 16, they did so without <span>Keenan Lewis</span>.</p>
<p>Lewis suffered a hip flexor against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> in week 14, and re-aggravated it against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> in week 15. After being limited in practice yesterday, Lewis claimed he would be healthy by gametime. He promised to "shadow" <span>A.J. Green</span> "no matter what". That was Wednesday. On Thursday, he was unable to practice at all.</p>
<p>Lewis reportedly re-aggravated the hip injury again in Wednesday's practice. His absence attaches giant question marks to his spot on the depth chart, and his role in the gameplan. Despite his missing practice, Lewis still expects to play on Sunday.</p>
<p>If Lewis is unable to go, the task of covering A.J. Green will fall to second year cornerback <span>Cortez Allen</span>. Allen, who missed the game versus the Cowboys, practiced fully for the second consecutive day with no setbacks related to the groin and hip issues that held him out of the prior contest. Allen has a green light for Sunday.</p>
<p>While the return of Allen brings a little bit of hope to a struggling, young secondary, the Steelers will still need big improvements from <span>Josh Victorian</span>, <span>Curtis Brown</span>, and <span>Robert Golden</span>. If Lewis is unable to participate, newly signed <span>Justin King</span> may also be forced into action, as the team awaits the return of its best corner, <span>Ike Taylor</span>. Taylor has begun moving without the boot, but is not practicing this week and is officially ruled out of the contest already.</p>
<p>The Steelers did have some good new for Thursday. Players that missed practice on Wednesday were able to return to practice on Thursday in full capacity, including: <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span>, <span>Cameron Heyward</span>, and <span>Al Woods</span>. Sanders has been dealing with a shoulder sprain and bruised ribs. Woods was dealing with the mysterious illness plaguing the Southside Facility, and Heyward missed Wednesday's practice for a non-injury related reason. All participated today, and are expected to play on Sunday.</p>
<p><span>Troy Polamalu</span> sat out Thursday's practice for precautionary maintenance, but Mike Adams did participate if only in limited action. While Adams return to practice is a positive sign, he is not expected to be ready by Sunday. As he misses yet another game, rookie <span>Kelvin Beachum</span> will start his fourth game at right tackle beside fellow rookie, <span>David DeCastro</span>.</p>
<p>Outside of the glaring uncertainties in the secondary, the Steelers look to be as healthy as they've been all year as they welcome the Bengals to Heinz Field to decide the playoff pecking order.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/12/20/3789494/steelers-injury-report-keenan-lewis-cincinnati-bengals-week-16-nflSteelCityRoller2012-12-19T19:33:53-05:002012-12-19T19:33:53-05:00Steelers Injury Report: Cortez Allen makes return
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Steelers much-maligned secondary has suffered from unexpected injuries and inexperienced reserves recently, but have reason for hope as they try to salvage their playoff dreams.</p> <p>As the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> await the recovery of <span>Ike Taylor</span> who is again ruled out because of a fractured ankle, they finally had some good news to share regarding their shaky secondary.</p>
<p><span>Cortez Allen</span> practiced fully on Wednesday with no setbacks, making him a probable start in week 16 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>. Allen has been sidelined since suffering a hip flexor and a groin issue in a loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> in week 14.</p>
<p>More good news involved <span>Keenan Lewis</span> returning to practice, although he was limited after re-aggravating the hip flexor that forced him to miss the latter part of the loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> in week 15. Despite his limitation, he stated he expects to shadow <span>A.J. Green</span> on Sunday, no matter what.</p>
<p>Their return will issue a sigh of relief from the men who attempted to uphold the standard in their absence: <span>Josh Victorian</span>, <span>Curtis Brown</span>, and <span>Justin King</span>, who recently signed with the Steelers after <span>DeMarcus Van Dyke</span> was placed on injured reserve.</p>
<p>The Steelers will need a healthy secondary to subdue <span>Andy Dalton</span> and the Bengals passing attack. To further ensure health, <span>Troy Polamalu</span> sat out Tuesday's practice as he continues to play his way through a lower leg issue, although his absence from practice was not labeled as injury related.</p>
<p>The defensive line was also missing two participants today. <span>Cameron Heyward</span>, like Polamalu, was not an injury related omission; while <span>Al Woods</span> missed practice due to an illness. This is possibly the same illness that forced four other players to miss practice time last week; and is rumored to be the same illness flirting with <span>Mike Wallace</span>. All four affected players from last week were well enough to play after about three days, meaning Wallace and Woods should be able to participate on Sunday.</p>
<p>One day after left guard and former right tackle <span>Willie Colon</span> went on injured reserve, rookie tackle Mike Adams returned to practice today, though he was limited for observation. While he hasn't been completely ruled out for Sunday's contest, <span>Kelvin Beachum</span> is expected to start yet another game in his rookie season. Colon and Adams had a significant effect on the running game in the year's first meeting between the Steelers and the Bengals. This time it will be up to the rookies Beachum, and <span>David DeCastro</span>, who made his first start last week against the Cowboys.</p>
<p>The only other player on the injury report was <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span>. Sanders has been dealing with a shoulder sprain, and more recently bruised ribs. Sanders was limited in practice on Wednesday, but is expected to be ready, willing, and able to play on Sunday.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/12/19/3785588/steelers-injury-report-week-16-cincinnati-bengals-status-Allen-LewisSteelCityRoller2012-12-18T15:51:47-05:002012-12-18T15:51:47-05:00Steelers place Willie Colon on injured reserve
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<figcaption>Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The former right tackle, turned starting left guard and running game enforcer, exits a season prematurely for the third consecutive time in his young career.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> reinstated running back <span>Rashard Mendenhall</span> on Monday, and were granted a 24 hour roster exemption that would expire at 4 p.m. ET today. By 3:30 p.m. the Steelers had made their decision on how they would make room for him.</p>
<p><span>Willie Colon</span> has missed the past several weeks while dealing with an injury. He attempted to start against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> in week 14, but was unable to perform and eventually found himself sidelined. Colon has been active rehabbing the knee, but it gave him little cooperation.</p>
<p>What also contributed to the end of Colon's season, are the satisfactory contributions of two rookie offensive linemen forced into starting action. <span>David DeCastro</span> played in his first NFL regular season contest against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> in week 15, accompanied by fellow rookie <span>Kelvin Beachum</span>, who made his third consecutive start in place of the injured Mike Adams.</p>
<p>Tomlin said of Adams that he would be observed over the course of the week, but shed little light on the odds of his participation. Tomlin did speak highly of the two rookies, accrediting them with "very few mental errors". As <span>Ramon Foster</span> also had a solid game, filling in for Colon at left guard, as DeCastro returned to right guard; the Steelers must feel comfortable with their depth and the chances of Adams return being sooner than later.</p>
<p>After starting every single game from week 16 of 2006 through the end of the 2009 season, Colon has only played in 12 of 48 possible games after missing all of 2010, and all but the opening loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> in 2011. Willie Colon will be 30 years old next season.</p>
<p>Colon is currently under contract for the next three seasons, with cap hits over 7.5 million dollars in each.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/12/18/3781542/steelers-willie-colon-place-on-injured-reserveSteelCityRoller2012-12-18T15:48:42-05:002012-12-18T15:48:42-05:00Steelers Injury Report: Taylor out, Allen returns
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<figcaption>Joe Sargent</figcaption>
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<p>As Mike Tomlin took to the podium for his weekly Tuesday new conference, he declared that the Steelers injury riddled secondary would have reason for hope. However, he failed to mention two key players at other positions.</p> <p>Mike Tomlin and his infamous filibuster approach to media relations took the stand this afternoon, and addressed the health of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> as they attempt to limp their way into the the postseason.</p>
<p>The Steelers secondary, who for a time this season ranked as the best against the pass, has had its ranks destroyed by unexpected injuries. <span>Ike Taylor</span>, who fractured his ankle against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> in week 13, has been given permission to start working outside his protective boot. While Tomlin expressed his optimism about Taylor's recovery, he has been ruled out for the next game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>.</p>
<p>As the remainder of the secondary attempted to cope without Taylor, other members suffered injuries of their own. <span>Cortez Allen</span> who suffered a hip flexor and a groin injury in week 14 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> forcing him to miss the recent loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>, is expected to return to practice this week.</p>
<p><span>Keenan Lewis</span> started the game against the Cowboys, but failed to finish as a hip flexor hindered his ability to participate. Lewis suffered a similar, possibly the same, injury the week before against the Chargers, but he is also expected to practice this week. Both Lewis and Allen will be limited early in the week, but are both expected to participate on Sunday, barring any further setbacks.</p>
<p>This comes as good news for the remaining healthy members of the secondary. <span>DeMarcus Van Dyke</span> suffered a dislocated shoulder, and has been placed on injured reserve. To compensate for his loss, the Steelers signed former St. Louis Ram and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> defensive back, <span>Justin King</span>. King was invited for a workout at the same time <span>Stanford Routt</span> was reported to have a similar appointment. Tomlin spoke highly of King's combination of youth and experience, and that King as already in the building and getting himself up to speed.</p>
<p>King will be supporting <span>Josh Victorian</span>, <span>Curtis Brown</span>, and <span>Robert Golden</span> as the Steelers observe the progress of Lewis and Allen throughout the week.</p>
<p>The offense got some reassuring news as <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span>, who suffered a rib injury against the Cowboys, is expected to play though he will be limited in practice the early portion of the week.</p>
<p>While the secondary has been a major focus as the Steelers struggles, the major concern on the offensive side of the ball was not addressed at all. Tomlin spoke highly of <span>David DeCastro</span> and <span>Kelvin Beachum</span>, as the two rookie linemen played with "very few mental errors", but made no mention to the status of either <span>Willie Colon</span>, or Mike Adams, outside of saying that Adams would be monitored leaving his chances of playing up in the air. Failing to give timelines for either as the Steelers continue to struggle to run the ball tends to whisper that neither will be available this week, but the return of <span>Rashard Mendenhall</span> screams that a roster move is imminent.</p>
<p>With Van Dyke already being placed on injured reserve to make room for King, either Colon or Adams will suffer the same fate to make room for Mendenhall, whose roster exemption due to suspension expires today at 4 p.m. ET. If neither player is IR'ed, then the Steelers will have to cut a healthy player to compensate for the return of the beleaguered ball carrier.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/12/18/3780604/steelers-injury-report-week-16-cincinnati-bengals-statusSteelCityRoller2012-12-18T15:36:09-05:002012-12-18T15:36:09-05:00Steelers sign defensive back Justin King
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<figcaption>Jay Drowns</figcaption>
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<p>A former hometown hero returns to western Pennslvania to help support an injured and inexperienced secondary.</p> <p><span>DeMarcus Van Dyke</span> was placed on injured reserve by Tuesday's weekly new conference with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> head coach Mike Tomlin. He was instantly replaced with a young veteran that has starting experience in the NFL, and strong ties to the Pittsburgh area.</p>
<p><span>Justin King</span> was a highly touted prospect coming out of Gateway High School in Monroeville, PA. He took his talent to Happy Valley, playing three years for the late Joe Paterno, at Penn State. King surrendered his senior season, declaring himself eligible for the 2008 draft. At the combine, King ran the second fastest time, surpassed only by Chris Johnson, now running back for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a>. King was taken with the 101st pick, selected in the fourth round by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>.</p>
<p>King missed his rookie season after tearing a ligament in his big toe. He returned in 2009 and played in 15 games, starting 7 of them in place of injured starters. He spent most of 2010 playing in sub-packages, or dealing with a groin injury. In 2011 when starting outside corner Ronald Bartell suffered a fractured neck, King was thrust into starting duty. He started twelve games, but dealt with ankle and groin issues. He attempted to play through the pain due to the depletion of the Rams secondary by injury, but eventually saw his season cut short after hurting his shoulder which required surgery.</p>
<p>With so many players hurt or on injured reserve, the Rams secondary was in shambles. King was rated as the worst conerback in the the entire league according to Pro Football Focus's rankings. King became a free agent following the season, and was picked up by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> for 2012. King was originally locked in as the Colts nickelback, but a groin injury limited his production. He was eventually released after week 5.</p>
<p>King's skillset is predicated on speed. His 5'11", 197 pound frame does not lend itself to being a physical defensive back. King struggled in his final year as a Ram, but the combination of injuries and inexperience among his peers played a significant part in that. Considering he has been unemployed for the past 10 weeks of the season, his groin injury should be healed sufficiently.</p>
<p>King showed up at the Steelers Southside Practice Facility the same day <span>Stanford Routt</span> was scheduled to appear but signed with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>, instead. The Steelers had no interest in signing anyone at the time, but they wanted his current measurables on record. The recent trend of injuries ravaging the Steelers secondary left them perusing what Tomlin called "a short list" of available men that could stood the best chance of stepping in immediately. King's youth and starting experience placed him at the top of that list.</p>
<p>With Keenan Lewis and <span>Cortez Allen</span> slated to return this week against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>, King will most likely be asked to contribute in Van Dyke's place on special teams, as well as supporting fellow reserves <span>Josh Victorian</span>, <span>Curtis Brown</span>, and <span>Robert Golden</span>.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/12/18/3781290/steelers-sign-defensive-back-justin-kingSteelCityRoller2012-12-17T06:45:16-05:002012-12-17T06:45:16-05:00Steelers Injury Report: Two more DBs go down
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<figcaption>Tom Pennington</figcaption>
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<p>DeMarcus Van Dyke (shoulder) and Keenan Lewis (hip) highlight yet another injury-filled game for struggling Pittsburgh. </p> <p><a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> back-up defensive back <span>DeMarcus Van Dyke</span> has been deactivated most of the second half of this season. He was pressed into playing time Sunday as the injury-depleted Steelers took on the injury-depleted <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cowboys</a> in Week 15.</p>
<p>Van Dyke lasted one play - ONE PLAY - before injuring his shoulder. He was lost for the game.</p>
<p>Such is the way of things for the Steelers recently as they head into a Week 16 playoff game against Cincinnati.</p>
<p>Van Dyke dressed for this game due to a thinned out Steelers' defensive secondary and the subsequent strain that put on special teams. By the end of the game, the secondary itself was strained when cornerback <span>Keenan Lewis</span> bounced off the Cowboys Stadium turf in what looked to be a painful hip pointer or thigh contusion.</p>
<p>Lewis was nursing a hip injury during the week leading into this game. His status for next week is unknown.</p>
<p>The fact is, though, the Steelers need to get Allen and/or Taylor back next week. Allen is a stronger possibility, as Taylor's leg fracture will probably keep him out another week.</p>
<p>Those injuries pushed into service <span>Josh Victorian</span>, who started for Allen, and was picked on relentlessly by Cowboys quarterback <span>Tony Romo</span>. Lewis's injury moved previously demoted cornerback <span>Curtis Brown</span> into his spot, and forced undrafted rookie safety <span>Robert Golden</span> to cover the slot late in the game.</p>
<p>Wide receiver <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> suffered a rib injury during the game - one in which he failed to catch a pass, and dropped his only target early in the first half.</p>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/12/17/3775812/steelers-injury-report-cornerbacks-keenan-lewis-status-week-15-16-dallas-cowboysNeal Coolong