Injury Report: Steelers See '12th Man' Carry The Team Due to Injuries
By Christina Rivers
The Steelers' injury list through the week was surprisingly long, although many players were given at least one day away from practice for what has become a common theme; they took veteran days. Only three players were unable to participate all week and their status is listed as out.
The main topic of discussion in week seven was who would be the starting quarterback against Kansas City with both Roethlisberger and Jones sharing snaps with the first team. Roethlisberger said he felt fine, but was not 100 percent. "Obviously, you saw Ben (Roethlisberger) getting some reps and he's continuing to progress," offensive coordinator Todd Haley told the media. "We're full-speed ahead with Landry (Jones) until told otherwise." On Friday, it was decided that Jones would get the start with practice squad wide receiver Tyler Murphy being activated and prepared as a potential emergency backup. "That's where a guy like that is very valuable," Haley said of Murphy, "he had quarterback experience in college and then also got snaps with us in the preseason and training camp." With Mike Vick unable to practice due to a hamstring tear and listed as 'out', Murphy's ability was fortuitous, indeed.
The Steelers defense will be without safety Will Allen and defensive end Stephon Tuitt as well. Linebacker Arthur Moats, who has seen several of his teammates face injury this season said, "The next man up, he is one bad guy. You never know who is waiting in the wings." Moats wasn't talking about any one, single man on the roster. "There are plenty of talented people on this roster, but having that opportunity makes all the difference. Guys getting these opportunities with this next man up motto are working out really well for us."
Tomlin has seen several players take that motto and move into positions prepared to play in 2015. Cody Wallace has taken over at center after Maurkice Pouncey injured an ankle. Sean Spence and Vince Williams have been a highly effective tandem with the absence of Ryan Shazier from the lineup. Darrius Heyward-Bey and DeAngelo Williams saw significant time early in the season due to the suspension of Le'Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant; both being rewarded by continuing to be inserted into the offense once Bell and Bryant returned. Offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva gets his opportunity to start this week after Kelvin Beachum was placed on injured-reserved for the remainder of the season.
"That might be our 12th man," said defensive end Cam Heyward. "That is our motto around here...everyone understands you are only one play away from being in the game." With that said, the Steelers may see Jarvis Jones and Shazier return to play on Sunday, but both are listed as 'probable', giving the Pittsburgh coaching staff the opportunity to make game-time decisions based on how they feel play may go. Antwon Blake will be playing in a cast due to a thumb injury.
Defensive coordinator Keith Butler was clear that the Steelers would continue to rotate the best players into the lineup throughout the game to be successful. That could include Cam Thomas and Dan McCullers at defensive end as Pittsburgh focuses on the Chiefs' offense. "We'll see. It depends on how it goes in the game, how the game flows," Butler said about stopping the run and doing a good job defensively. Limiting the number of yards tight end Travis Kelce gets and being prepared for any quarterback the Chiefs may insert into the game was also a focal point during the week in practice. "The devil is in the detail, and we have to make sure we keep detail in our work," said Butler.
Injury Recap-
Out:
Will Allen (S, ankle)
Stephon Tuitt (DE, knee)
Mike Vick (QB, hamstring)
Questionable:
Cortez Allen (CB, knee)
Ben Roethlisberger (QB, knee)
Probable:
Antwon Blake (CB, thumb)
William Gay (CB, not injury related)
James Harrison (LB, not injury related)
Jarvis Jones (LB, hip)
Ryan Shazier (LB, shoulder)
Matt Spaeth (TE, not injury related)
Christina Rivers has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers and National Football League professionally as a journalist and photographer for over a decade. Rivers studied Exercise Physiology and Sports Psychology at Brigham Young University as a student-athlete. Christina is a freelance writer covering all things NFL as well as a published author. Her work can be found on
Examiner.com.
