Possible Long-Term Linebacker Injuries
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Amongst all the positives Sunday a few negatives surfaced, mainly regarding the Steelers health at linebacker.
Lamarr Woodley injured his hamstring on a pass rush in the third quarter of Pittsburgh's 25-17 win against the Patriots Sunday and did not return. He will be evaluated further and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin should have an update in his weekly press conference Tuesday, but 93-7 The Fan's Steelers insider Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports early word is Woodley could miss Sunday's game against Baltimore.
On top of that, James Farrior — who sat out against the Patriots — appears to have a torn calf that could keep him out of the lineup for another month.
If James Harrison, who has been out for several weeks with an eye injury, is unable to return against the Ravens, the Steelers would be forced to start rookie Chris Carter and Stevenson Sylvester at linebacker along with Larry Foote and Lawrence Timmons. With linebacker Jason Worilds and nose tackle Chris Hoke also dealing with injury problems, Pittsburgh could be lacking for depth on defense entering the Baltimore game.
While depth seems to be a concern, Tomlin said after Sunday's game he's impressed with how young players have plugged holes defensively.
"These guys not only buy into what we talk about in terms of the standard being the standard, but they make it reality," Tomlin said. "When you look out there and see some of the guys performing for us on defense — Cortez Allen, Chris Carter and Stevenson Sylvester and others — we just tip our hats to those young men. It wasn't too big for them.
"They aren't perfect by any stretch, believe me. But they are playing, and they are playing to win. They aren't playing with fear, and we like that about our young guys. They better keep coming, because there is probably no end in sight with some of the things we're dealing with. So be it."
Other injury news:
- Also injured in the third quarter was cornerback Ike Taylor, who was hit and remained on the Heinz Field turf for a period of time only to return later in the game. Tomlin addressed Taylor's injury as "a shoulder and a stinger."
- Offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert suffered an ankle injury and cornerback Keenan Lewis suffered a shoulder injury. All players will be evaluated and Tomlin should address each injury in his press conference Tuesday. It can be heard live on Sports Radio 93-7 The Fan.
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