With the Pittsburgh Steelers playing in prime time on Monday Night Football this week, the schedule has been a bit different these last few days. Throw in Thanksgiving, and it's caused a wrinkle in everything. With just over 48 hours remaining until the underdogs take the field against the Indianapolis Colts, the game availability has been announced for a couple of players.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon has been ruled out once again for Week 12 according to Jenna Harner of WPXI, as his hamstring injury continues to plague him. Signed to an extension in the off-season, the injury has affected him all season. Since the Week 3 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Witherspoon has played in just one game, the blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Levi Wallace and Cam Sutton will continue to lead that group this week.
Jaylen Warren and Ahkello Witherspoon have both been ruled OUT Monday vs. the Colts
— Jenna Harner (@JennaHarner11) November 26, 2022
Robert Spillane and Miles Boykin are both questionable
Elsewhere, primary backup running back, Jaylen Warren, has also been ruled out for Monday's game with a hamstring injury, similar to Witherspoon's. An undrafted rookie, he's established himself as the clear backup behind Najee Harris this season. With Benny Snell Jr. as the only other RB on the active roster, someone will get a call-up from the practice squad. Anthony McFarland Jr. makes the most sense, as he's been around the team for a few years and knows the offense. Training camp standout Master Teague was signed to the team's practice squad earlier this week, so he could be an option as well.
Robert Spillane, who performed exceptionally well in Week 10, is questionable with a back injury. With Myles Jack now healthy, Spillane's availability isn't nearly as important this week. Wide receiver and core special teamer Miles Boykin is questionable as well, as he's dealing with an oblique issue.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Earlier in the day, starting center Mason Cole was announced as good to go for Week 12. It continues the offensive line's impressive streak, as the starting five have started every game this season. Cole has left two games early with injury, but otherwise, the unit has stayed healthy as a whole. Cole's availability will be huge in trying to establish the Steelers' running game on Monday evening.
Which of these injuries hurts the Steelers the most for Week 12? Who should step in as the primary backup RB, McFarland or someone else? Would you give Snell a chance? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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