Injury Report: Bye Week Showing Massive Lack Of Steelers Depth Due To Injuries
By Danny Cox
After a heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers dropped to 4-3 on the season and are now luckily hobbling into their bye week. It's been a season of ups and downs that has been plagued by injuries, which makes it really hard for the team to find any kind of rhythm. But these injuries are also exposing a lot of holes and problems that need to be fixed...fast.
Looking past the starters, it's hard to find the true talent of the Steelers
The Steelers started out 2-0 and have since gone 2-3, but it's hard to say that anything is to blame but injuries. Numerous starters have been sidelined and it has taken its toll on the team. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, defensive end Cam Heyward, wide receiver Markus Wheaton and right tackle Marcus Gilbert have all missed time and could be out a while longer if the healing doesn't speed up.
Unfortunately, it is clearly evident that the reserve players simply aren't bringing a talent level that is even close to those brought to the table by the starters.
With Cam Heyward out of the line-up, the Steelers have given up almost 400 yards on the ground in two games. Against the Patriots, LeGarrette Blount ran wild for 127 yards and one touchdown. That wasn't nearly as bad as the week before when Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi ran for 204 yards and two touchdowns.
Markus Wheaton's absence has caused the offense to look out of sync at times and it has actually affected the other receivers on the squad. Antonio Brown has seemed almost invisible in games and the loss of tight end Ladarius Green (ankle injury) has caused the middle of the field to be absolutely useless.
Pittsburgh has to know how to deal with injuries and how to persevere when they happen. Yes, there are far more than expected in place right now, but the reserves and back-ups have to step up their game or it's going to be an extremely long second half of the season.
Could Big Ben really return by Week 9 to face the Ravens?
One of the biggest injuries is that of Ben Roethlisberger, who is dealing with a torn meniscus in his left knee. He has already missed one game which led to the team starting Landry Jones. While Jones didn't play poorly, he didn't bring about the same type of skill and leadership that Roethlisberger can deliver.
The initial report on Ben's injury is that he would miss four to six weeks, but he has hope that he's going to be able to play each week. In his eyes, he's taking this injury as day-to-day and not month-to-month.
"I’m always going to be hopeful and do everything I can…to make sure that I get myself as prepared as I can be to go out there," Roethlisberger said to 93.7 The Fan this past Tuesday. "Obviously, it’s AFC North football, so I want to do everything I can to be out there with my guys."
He believes he may be able to play against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 6, but coaches have not made any determination on his status at this time. It seems unlikely that he would be able to play already, but anything is possible and he's working hard to get back on the field before too long.
If the fans of Pittsburgh have anything to say about it, they're certainly hoping he will be back sooner rather than later.
