While it's unfortunate Steelers rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier won't play in tonight's game against the New York Giants, the good news is it means Sean Spence will start his first game back from a horrific knee injury that cost him the first two seasons of his career.
Also scheduled to miss the game tonight are tight end Michael Palmer, nose tackle Steve McLendon and wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. These were expected absences, particularly McLendon and Heyward-Bey, who had missed the past week recovering from concussions.
Expect Cam Thomas to start for the Steelers at nose tackle, with rookie Stephon Tuitt starting at left defensive end.
Palmer is competing with David Paulson and rookies Rob Blanchflower and Eric Waters for the team's third tight end this season.
The Steelers and Giants will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET from MetLife Stadium for the second consecutive start to the Steelers' preseason. The Giants defeated Buffalo in their opener, 18-13 in the Hall of Fame game last weekend.