If the Denver Broncos were looking for the easiest path to the Super Bowl, it looks like it’s quickly laying out right in front of them. Earlier today, news broke that Antonio Brown would not be playing this weekend against the Denver Broncos, and now the same is true for their running back, DeAngelo Williams.
Steelers officially rule out RB DeAngelo Williams (foot) for Sunday's game vs Broncos. pic.twitter.com/QupuqjDQjX
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 15, 2016
And according to ESPN’s Trey Wingo, with both Williams and Brown out, the Steelers will be arguably the most banged-up playoff team in NFL history.
With Brown out & @DeAngeloRB likely out.. @steelers will be 1st team in NFL history to play post season game w/out leading rusher & reciever
— trey wingo (@wingoz) January 15, 2016
And don’t forget, Pittsburgh is without LeVeon Bell, too, who has missed the majority of the season. In his absence, though, Williams has been great, having one of the best seasons of his career, even at 32. In 10 starts, he’s scored 11 touchdowns on 4.5 yards per carry.
But how big of an impact will his absence be? On one hand, he did have his worst game of the season against the Broncos, putting up just 26 yards on 14 carries. On the other hand, with Brown out and Ben Roethlisberger injured, the Steelers will likely have to rely heavily on their run game to get past this Broncos defense.
Only time will tell.