Steelers Need Every Healthy Body As the Ravens Come To Town
By Danny Cox
As the Baltimore Ravens head to Heinz Field, the Pittsburgh Steelers are no longer winless on the season after handily defeating the New York Jets last week. There is a very good chance they could end up with a two-game winning streak if they play as they did against the Jets.
It also helps that the injury report for the Steelers is quite short and rather positive looking.
There are only two players listed as out for this Sunday's game with the Ravens. Tight end Richard Gordon is dealing with a toe problem that will keep him sidelined, but he's also listed as fourth on the depth chart.
Starting tight end Heath Miller is expected in the line-up come game time. Miller was limited on Wednesday due to a non-injury related issue, but practiced fully on both Thursday and Friday.
Wide receiver Markus Wheaton has a finger problem and stayed sidelined at practice all week. He is also listed as out for the Ravens game. Starters Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown will take the bulk of the snaps. Jerricho Cotchery and Mike Adams will come in as back-ups and for multiple wide receiver sets.
Linebacker Jarvis Jones was diagnosed with a concussion on Wednesday evening, but was cleared to practice on Thursday in an "exercise challenge" as is standard league protocol for players suffering a concussion. Jones passed the other tests and practice in full on Friday, which means he is ready go for Sunday's game. After taking over the starting spot at right outside linebacker for Jason Worilds, Jones is looking to continue his good play as a rookie.
Starting left outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley has had some knee issues as of late, but he is listed as probable for Sunday and will be in the starting line-up. The same can be said for offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert (quadriceps) and defensive end Brett Keisel (abdomen). Gilbert was limited most of the week, but practice fully on Friday. Keisel was limited on Wednesday, practiced fully on Thursday, and was given Friday to rest.
The Steelers are looking very healthy and have the majority of their big pieces in place to face off with a struggling Ravens' team. Pittsburgh should be able to pick up their second victory if they use these puzzle pieces perfectly.
Out:
- TE Richard Gordon - Toe
- WR Markus Wheaton - Finger
Doubtful:
- None
Questionable:
- LB Jarvis Jones - Concussion
Probable:
- T Marcus Gilbert – Quadriceps
- DE Brett Keisel – Abdomen
- TE Heath Miller – Not Injury Related
- OLB LaMarr Woodley - Knee
For more Steelers news and updates, visit Steelers Central.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
