While most of the attention for the upcoming Broncos-Steelers rematch has been centering around the health of Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown, there’s another Pittsburgh player whose health is in question that might play just as important a role if he’s healthy.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger left Saturday’s Wild Card win over the Bengals late in the third quarter with what appeared to be a shoulder injury, but returned later in the game to lead the game-winning field goal drive. Wide receiver Antonio Brown, torched the Bronco secondary for 189 yards and two touchdowns in their week 15 meeting, was the victim of a shoulder to head hit by linebacker Vontaze Burfict, and did not return after the hit.
But it is Pittsburgh’s top running back, DeAngelo Williams, whose status might be the most in question.
During a Monday segment of The Sports Guy Mike Show, host Mike Luper was joined by Christina Rivers of CBS Pittsburgh, and the pair discussed Pittsburgh’s injury status and the likely outcomes for this week’s game.
“Roethlisberger did come back into the game to set up the winning field goal,” said Rivers. “But he also told head coach Mike Tomlin that he wasn’t going to be able to throw the ball down field.”
An inactive, or even slightly maimed Roethlisberger would be a huge loss to the Steelers should he not play on Sunday. In addition to commanding the passing game, where Pittsburgh ranked third this season, he also, as Rivers pointed out, is one of the main emotional leaders the team.
With regard to Brown, the receiver appears to be progressing through the NFL mandated concussion protocol.
“If he passes all of his benchmarks, he could be back at practice this week and ready to go on Sunday,” added Rivers. A healthy Brown is a big boost for the Steelers. Brown hauled in more receiving yards in the league this year than anyone not named Julio Jones, and .
The Steelers also played Saturday’s playoff game without the services of their top running back Williams, who injured his foot in a Week 17 matchup against the Browns. His return, as explained by Rivers, is still unknown.
“There was talk of him playing against Cincinnati,” said Rivers, “but they are not saying one way or another. It is very much up in the air.”
The Steelers would very much like Williams back, as his 11 rushing touchdowns were tied for the league lead. Backups Jordan Todman and Fitzgerald Toussaint have been able to establish a ground presence, combining for 28 carries and 122 yards in Williams’ absence against the Bengals, but could not find pay dirt.
While Williams’ status is still up in the air, some expect Roethlisberger and Brown to be ready in time for action on Sunday, including Mike Luper.
Listen to the full segment below, which also includes Rivers and Luper discussing the Vontaze Burfict hit on Brown, and its impact on Player Safety in the NFL.
Catch The Sports Guy Mike Show weekdays from 9a-11a on Mile High Sports AM 1340 or stream live any time for the best local coverage of what’s new and what’s next in Colorado sports.
