While the Steelers surprised most of the nation with a rather dominating win over the Panthers last night, there was plenty in the way of casualties in the process.
Three starters on defense are going to be out, how long varies on the player, but no matter each will be missed.
The first is CB Ike Taylor, who took a vicious helmet shot on accident from ILB Lawrence Timmons and has a broken arm. Taylor could return, but will miss likely 6 to 8 weeks, which means he won’t be back at least until likely snow is on the ground.
Antwon Blake saw playing time after Taylor left, and Cam Newton picked on him often, meaning if he continues to play, the team is going to need help in making sure he has support. Willie Gay and Cortez Allen will likely be the two starters going forward.
Rookie LB Ryan Shazier has a sprained MCL, and will MRI today according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Shazier was playing well in his first three pro games, and while he’s out, look for Sean Spence, who played well in relief of Shazier last night, to take his spot. The MRI will go a long way in telling how long Shazier is out.
Second-year LB Jarvis Jones is going to miss time, as Schefter reports he is likely going to need wrist surgery. Timmons was also responsible for that injury, but nevertheless he’s out and former Bills LB Arthur Moats, who had a sack of Netwon, will fill the spot till Jones is back.
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DrGeorge
September 22, 2014 at 4:57 pm
Let’s give credit to Cody Wallace. The media ignores him, but the guy is a solid and versatile athlete. In 2013, he played the last four games of the year at center after Pouncey got hurt, and he played well. Last night, he replaced the injured R. Foster at left Guard and played so well that Foster may have trouble getting his job back. The Steelers are lucky to have him.
We face adversity on defense. Moats and Spence played well in place of the injured Shazier and Jarvis, but can either cover a quality TE? And CB is a big problem for us. Blake and Gay both struggle when playing that position. Unfortunately, veteran cornerbacks are in high demand, and Colbert isn’t likely to find one available who can play to our standards. LeBeau must either make do with the talent we have or bring Shaquille Richardson up from the practice squad. Either way, opposing QBs are going to pick on our CBs until they prove themselves up to the task.
Dave B.
September 22, 2014 at 7:36 pm
Cornerback is a big problem simply because of no depth on the roster . Shaquille Richardson is not going to cut it . Hes unproven and being a rookie in LeBeaus defense he has no real chance . They can plug in William Gay but thats no long term answer either . As far as outside linebacker is concerned , I say pick up the phone and give James Harrison a call . If hes interested , bring him in and see what kind of shape hes in . He knows the defense inside and out so theres no learning curve . At the end of the day , if hes in shape , he would be every bit as good if not better than Moats .