Pittsburgh Steelers Week 14 Injury Report: Steelers' Injury Report Grows Before Game With Bills
By Danny Cox
Looking to build on their three-game winning streak, the Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping to take down the struggling Buffalo Bills. If they're going to do that, the Steelers will have to deal with a number of injuries (some old, some new) and see which players can step up and take on new challenges.
As expected, wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (foot) and safety Shamarko Thomas (concussion) have been ruled out for week 14. DHB hasn't played in a game since their loss to Baltimore in early November due to a foot injury, which will keep him sidelined for week 14 too.
Thomas is still in the NFL's concussion protocol, so he has been officially ruled Out as well. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is listed as Doubtful, but will most likely not play. Hargrave is also still in the league's concussion protocol and it isn't expected that he will be cleared by Sunday's game.
Back-up running back DeAngelo Williams is listed as Questionable this week. It is the first time in a while that he hasn't been fully Out. The problem is that he practiced only a little on Wednesday, none on Thursday, and in a limited fashion again on Friday. Le'Veon Bell will get the start. Williams could see limited action, but it likely won't be a lot.
Guard Ramon Foster was out of practice on Friday due to a chest injury that has him listed as Questionable. He will be a game-time decision. Kicker Chris Boswell has been dealing with an abdomen problem, but he was full-go at Friday's practice and will play on Sunday.
Linebacker James Harrison sat out Friday's practice due to an illness, but he will play on Sunday. Harrison is not even listed on the Steelers' official injury report.
Bills' Possible Loss Of Kyle Williams Could Be Great News For Steelers
On the other side of the field, the Buffalo Bills could be in a world of hurt if they are without one of their best defensive players. Defensive tackle Kyle Williams sat out Friday's practice session with a back injury that leaves his status as unknown for Sunday's game against the Steelers. Williams will likely be a game-time decision.
Linebacker Lerentee McCray is the only player officially listed as Out for Sunday's game and it is due to him still being in the league's concussion protocol. Linebacker Brandon Spikes missed practice on Friday due to illness. Tight end Charles Clay (knee) along with wide receivers Sammy Watkins (foot) and Robert Woods (knee) were limited on Friday and the team will wait to see how they feel Sunday.
Other than McCray, all other Bills players on the injury report are listed as Questionable.
Out:
- (WR) Darrius Heyward-Bey (Foot) - Did Not Participate In Practice
- (S) Shamarko Thomas (Concussion) - Did Not Participate In Practice
Doubtful:
- (DT) Javon Hargrave (Concussion) - Did Not Participate In Practice
Questionable:
- (RB) DeAngelo Williams (Knee) - Limited Participation In Practice
- (K) Chris Boswell (Abdomen) - Full Participation In Practice
- (G) Ramon Foster (Chest) - Did Not Participate In Practice
