Three spots for this week’s inactive list have already been determined. Joe Haden, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Vance McDonald are all listed as out. Haden is still recovering from his broken fibula. The most optimistic reports have him available to return after the next game (3 weeks), I am a bit more conservative and anticipate him returning for the Houston game (6 weeks). Hopefully he will fall somewhere between those dates. Vance is now on his second consecutive inactive week with an ankle injury.
JuJu was a new addition to the injury report this week. He injured his hamstring in the game against the Titans, and didn’t practice all week. It’s good to get the young receiver some rest for the stretch run, and hopefully his injury won’t hamstring his ability to produce though the end of the season and into the playoffs. I know a lot of football analysts like to mention the rookie wall, and although it has a trend of occurring throughout the league, I don’t anticipate it happening to either JuJu or Watt this season. They are 2 of the best conditioned athletes on the team, and no one is saying the rookie receiver needs to add muscle after seeing him sleeveless, being interviewed after the Titans game.
Mike Mitchell was limited all week, trying to nurse himself back from an ankle injury. He is currently listed as questionable on the Injury report.
James Harrison returned from his back ailment and practiced all week. He is healthy enough to not even be listed on the injury report this week, but will he be active? That is another question.
Cameron Sutton has been added to the roster. It will be interesting to see if the Steelers activate him, and if they do, what capacity will he be used? He has the ability to play special teams on coverage and return teams. He probably won’t see the field as a defender this week, but he’s projected to help as a possible nickel or dime defensive back.
Cameron was added to the team, and the Steelers didn’t have to drop any players, because Marcus Gilbert was suspended for 4 games for violating the league’s drug policy. Gilbert does not count against the roster, nor is he officially listed as inactive while he is suspended. He will be reinstated on 12/18 to prepare to play the Houston Texans on Christmas Day, and at that time, the Steelers will have cut a player to add him back.
I update the Injury/Suspension/Inactive/Fine spreadsheet daily. Bookmark it to track the status for the Steelers each week. Click HERE
There will be 7 inactive players for the game this week. I believe they will be:
1. Josh Dobbs: Healthy Scratch/ 3rd QB
2. Joe Haden: Hayden is listed at out and will not play.
3. Vance McDonald Vance didn’t practice this week, and is listed as out.
4. JuJu Smith-Schuster: Also didn’t practice and is listed as out for this game.
5. Mike Mitchell: He is improving, but spending the entire week as a limited participant in practice, does not bode well for his chances to play this week.
6. Jerald Hawkins: Another week, another day on the inactive list for Hawkins.
7. Arthur Moats: The usual suspects are all possibilities. James Harrison, Brian Allen, Dan McCullers, and Cameron Sutton are all options. I think Harrison returning with a healthy week will place Moats on the inactive list.
Week 11 I went 6 for 7. Bringing my yearly total to 61/70.
