Steelers Injury Report: Nothing more than “bumps and bruises” after Wild Card game

The Pittsburgh Steelers were riding a 7-game winning streak into the AFC Wild Card game against the Miami Dolphins, and they were able to extend that streak to 8-games after their 30-12 win at Heinz Field Sunday.

One of the main reasons for the team’s success has been the health of the team. After a major rash of injuries to start the season, Pittsburgh has slowly become one of the healthier teams still playing in the playoffs.

The fact the team had locked up a playoff spot prior to Week 17 and were able to rest many of their starters shows just how different it is entering the playoffs with all of your weapons at your disposal.

Pittsburgh’s good health continued even after the game when Mike Tomlin spoke to media and stated the team didn’t suffer any major injuries other than “the bumps and bruises associated with the pursuit of victory.”

Tomlin did mention one player who briefly left the game, but was able to return to action, and that was rookie safety Sean Davis. Tomlin labeled the injury as a shoulder injury, and stated it might have an impact on his practice participation early in the week, but the fact he returned to the game should show fans he is hopefully capable of playing through that type of injury.

There were other notable players who visibly looked injured at one point or another. Ross Cockrell was on the bad end of friendly fire, was evaluated for a concussion, but returned to the game after halftime. Ben Roethlisberger also looked as if he was in some discomfort after a 4th quarter sack had him land hard on his throwing shoulder.

Some other injured players, who missed this week’s game, will be worth keeping an eye on to see if they could return to action in the AFC Divisional round against the Kansas City Chiefs. Ladarius Green (concussion), Robert Golden (ankle) and Ricardo Mathews (ankle) all could possibly return for next week’s game.

Nonetheless, as always, the Steelers, and Mike Tomlin, will let practice participation this week decipher a player’s availability.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on the Steelers’ injury situation heading into next week’s big playoff showdown.

UPDATE: Ben Roethlisberger is wearing a waking boot on his right ankle after the game. Get more information about his injury, and what he had to say, HERE.