Pittsburgh Steelers: Cortez Allen, Heath Miller ruled out vs. Bengals
By Matt Shetler
The injury bug has hit the Pittsburgh Steelers pretty hard after just one week of the NFL season and will impact them in a big way as the Steelers prepare to take on the Cincinnati Bengals Monday night at Paul Brown Stadium.
In addition to losing Maurkice Pouncey, Larry Foote and LaRod Stephens-Howling for the season last week, the Steelers also lost cornerback Cortez Allen to an ankle injury, one that hasn’t healed in time for Allen to be able to give it a go Monday night.
December 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen (28) reacts as he takes the field against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Allen left Sunday’s game early in the second half with the ankle problem and did not return. He was held out of practice this week, but head coach Mike Tomlin made the call that Allen wouldn’t be able to go.
With Allen out of the lineup, expect veteran William Gay to slide over and start opposite Ike Taylor and rookie Shamarko Thomas and Curtis Brown, among others, to get more action as well in passing situations.
In addition to Allen, the Steelers also ruled out tight end Heath Miller and running back Le’Veon Bell.
There were some whispers that Miller could make a surprising comeback on Monday, but the Steelers are probably wise to err on the side of caution as regards to Miller.
Bell on the other hand isn’t much of a surprise as we heard this week that it may be another month for the second-round pick.
In other injury news, cornerback Cornell Brown (illness) is listed as doubtful; while nose tackle Steve McClendon (hamstring) and kicker Shaun Suisham (hamstring) are probable.