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Another busy week for the trainers and doctors. Fortunately, none of the injuries appear to be serious, just a couple nagging injuries that could sap the strength and speed of some players. I have updated the Steeler Injury list and can be viewed here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ITv8kcpFE-jqlzgwBpNh0D31bL2YqJnw7a61v3wb33g/edit?usp=sharing
We had a Flu Bug hit the team Villanueva, Heyward-Bey, and Pouncey all felt the effects this week, and hopefully it is out of the locker room now. All should play on Sunday, since the illnesses were early in the week.
TJ Watt (groin) and Marcus Gilbert (hamstring) both got banged up in the game and each are ruled out.
The tight ends appear to be getting healthier as both Vance McDonald and Jesse James are not listed on the injury report (though James was limited the last 2 days of practice). He may be a game time decision.
JJ Wilcox has worked his way off of concussion protocol, and is clear to play. Hawkins is close to returning, as he practiced fully twice this week only to be limited on Friday. Tuitt is also listed as questionable with Hawkins though with full practices on Thursday and Friday, he is trending up!
I went 5/7 last week bringing my year total to 13/15. On to the picks!
There will be 7 inactive players for the game this week. I believe they will be:
1. Marcus Gilbert: Already ruled out so he won't play.
2. TJ Watt: Also ruled out and won't play.
3. Josh Dobbs: Healthy Scratch/ 3rd QB
4. Jerald Hawkins: Almost ready to return, but he's trending down. If he's out, Fieler and Finney will be active with Hubbard who is starting.
5. Justin Hunter: Until a WR gets injured, he will not be active
6. Dan McCullers: With Tuitt projected to return, this puts Dan back on the sideline.
7. Since the secondary is healthy, someone should sit from this group. Even though Brian Allen had a great day on special teams last week, I think we will have to wait a bit before we see him return to the gameday roster.
