The Pittsburgh Steelers have a long injury report. Period. There is no other way around this simple fact, but before fans start bemoaning the team’s chances of beating the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round, you have to look closer at the report.
I’m not suggesting you can’t read, but there is more to this report than meets the eye.
First, the injury to Ben Roethlisberger (foot). He didn’t practice Wednesday, but it should be noted he rarely practices on Wednesday, especially when the team is practicing indoors. Roethlisberger did work with his receivers after practice, and if you don’t want to take my word for it, why not trust someone who is there every day.
Not a single Steeler worried abt Ben Roethlisberger not officially practicing. He was working w/ his WRs in indoor facility afterwards.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) January 11, 2017
Hopefully this puts fans at ease with No. 7’s participation in the upcoming playoff game.
While the team is planning on having Roethlisberger and Le’Veon Bell (rest day) back at practice Thursday, the two players who are concussed might be missing more time. Fitzgerald Toussaint and Ladarius Green (concussions) missed practice Wednesday, and if they don’t return Thursday, it is a safe bet they will miss the game Sunday.
Only Ricardo Mathews (ankle), Vince Williams (shoulder) and Anthony Chickillo (ankle) were also missing from the workout Wednesday.
It was good news to see Sean Davis (shoulder) be on the practice field, and Stephon Tuitt was added with an ankle injury, but if he is practicing on Wednesday he should be able to play Sunday, barring a setback.
The Steelers special teams could be getting a boost with special teams captain Robert Golden (ankle) returning as a full participant in practice. Thursday will tell fans more about what they can expect from players’ availability, but until then, stay tuned to BTSC for all the updates for both the Chiefs and Steelers.
Pittsburgh
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
RB Le'Veon Bell (Not Injury Related)
LB Anthony Chickillo (Ankle)
TE Ladarius Green (Concussion)
DE Ricardo Mathews (Ankle)
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Foot)
RB Fitzgerald Toussaint (Concussion)
LB Vince Williams (Shoulder)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
S Sean Davis (Shoulder)
DE Stephon Tuitt (Ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION
S Robert Golden (Ankle)
Kansas City
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
LB Tamba Hali (Knee)
LB Justin Houston (Knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION
S Eric Berry (Achilles)
RB Spencer Ware (Rib)