Steelers injury situation doesn’t get any clearer prior to Seahawks game

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team who could really benefit from getting some key players back in Week 6.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6 on Sunday Night Football, and the team has several injuries to keep an eye on in the practices leading up to the prime time matchup.

The Steelers have an opportunity to right the ship and get back to .500 before their Week 7 bye week, but will they have key players in the lineup to do so? Mike Tomlin met with media Tuesday for his weekly press conference, and he outlined the injury status of several players following the Week 5 win over the Denver Broncos.

For several players, this week of practice will be the factor in whether they can return to play at Heinz Field Sunday night, or if they get two weeks off and don’t return until after the bye week.

Players who could return, depending on how their body responds to practice, would be Devin Bush, who left the game Sunday with a groin injury. As well as Cam Sutton and James Washington, both of whom were held out of the game vs. the Broncos with their own groin injuries. Carlos Davis, who has missed the last four games with a knee injury, is another player who could get back to practice this week.

All of those aforementioned injuries are of significance for the Steelers, especially with Tomlin stating JuJu Smith-Schuster will have shoulder surgery this week and placed on Injured Reserve (IR). Getting Washigton back will lessen the blow to the receiver corps prior to Seattle coming to town.

Other than those injuries, Tomlin said the Steelers continue to monitor both Zach Banner (knee) and Anthony McFarland (unknown) as they work their way back from IR. Banner’s 21-day clock is almost expired, meaning the Steelers will likely promote him to the active roster this week in Smith-Schuster’s place. If they don’t, and the 21 days expire, Banner would be placed on season-ending IR.

The first reported practice day for the Steelers is Wednesday, and the injuries to Bush, Sutton and Washington will be huge for this team as they try to stack wins before heading into their Week 7 bye week. Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they prepare for the Seahawks in prime time this Sunday.

For a complete recap of Mike Tomlin’s press conference, check out the BTSC podcast below.