Steelers Could Significantly Benefit In Week 10 From Interesting Roster Move Made By Washington Commanders

There has been a lot of anticipation building for a huge Week 10 showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders. Heading into the season, not many thought that either team would be sitting at the top of its division just a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. It may not be looked at as too big of a contest due to the two organizations being in different conferences, but it's still going to be must-watch television. The matchup is arguably the best on the NFL's slate for Week 10, and whichever team comes out victorious will be viewed as a legitimate contender moving forward.

In a game of this magnitude, teams will take absolutely any possible advantage that they can get. An interesting situation popped up for Washington during the week of preparation and the Steelers could benefit from a roster move that was made on Friday. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network detailed the situation unfolding regarding the Commanders' kicking predicament. 

Nearly everything has been clicking for Washington in 2024. The franchise has a record of 7-2 and kicker Austin Seibert has been a consistent and solid contributor. He has nailed 25 of 27 field goals with a long of 55. He currently has the most field goal attempts and makes in the entire NFL. Steelers kicker Chris Boswell is third with 24 attempts overall.

Seibert is not a guy that is easily replaceable and a hip injury could significantly affect his ability to do his job correctly. In a game that could come down to a field goal, Commanders fans have to be a little worried about the prospect of Seibert being sidelined. Zane Gonzalez has had a decent career at the professional level, but has not kicked since 2021. 

This isn't the first time in 2024 that the Commanders could enter a game with kicking question marks, but it was an opponent in the New York Giants that had issues back in Week 2. New York knew of a potential injury to Graham Gano, but elected not to have a back-up plan on the practice squad entering the weekend. This came back to bite the Giants, as Gano got injured on the opening kickoff. Seibert actually ended up nailing seven field goals in a 21-18 by Washington.

It appears as if the Commanders are learning from a mistake that their divisional rival made against them earlier in the season. The Week 10 contest against the Steelers is expected to be extremely close, and Pittsburgh could benefit from a rusty Gonzalez in the lineup compared to Seibert.

Special teams has been a consistent and advantageous area for the Steelers. Special teams coach Danny Smith and his group have been absolutely phenomenal throughout 2024. That should be expected to continue, and Pittsburgh immediately has the leg up if it is Boswell going up against Gonzalez, rather than Boswell versus Seibert.

Steelers Are Looking To Come Back Strong After Timely Bye Week

Pittsburgh ran into a bye week at the perfect time, and now it appears as if the majority of the roster is healthy and ready to go. The Commanders, on the other hand, have not had a break yet. Washington will look to be careful in regards to Seibert, who has been fantastic since replacing Cade York very early in the season. If Seibert is unable to go, the Steelers will immediately gain a significant advantage over the Commanders.

Do you think that Pittsburgh's Week 10 game will come down to a field goal? Let us know in the comments below!

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