Pittsburgh Steelers: Lawrence Timmons to play with broken hand
By Matt Shetler
Throughout the ups and downs of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense so far during the 2013 season, one constant has been that inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons has been their best player.
That’s something we expected coming into the season and Timmons certainly didn’t disappoint during Sunday’s win against the Baltimore ravens, when he was all over the field, tying a career-high with 17 tackles (12 solo).
Sep 27, 2013; London, United
Kingdom; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) at practice at the London Wasps rugby club practice facility at the Twyford Avenue sports ground in preparation for the NFL International Series game against the Minnesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
However one thing no one really saw in Timmons’ performance against the ravens was the fact that Timmons suffered a broken left hand.
The injury apparently happened late in the third quarter or early in the fourth, but Timmons was able to finish the game.
Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin noted during his weekly press conference that Timmons will be able to play this Sunday when the Steelers visit the Oakland Raiders. Tomlin said that Timmons will wear a cast on his left hand but will be able to move his fingers, which will help.
"“Lawrence Timmons broke his left hand. That’s been casted. He is ready to go. That happened late in the third or early in the fourth quarter of the game. He was able to finish. We fixed it. He has full mobility in all of his fingers, but it has been secured with a cast.”"
Timmons has been a tackling machine this season, putting up 66 tackles, 22 more than any other player.
In other injury news from Tomlin’s presser:
Right tackle Marcus Gilbert re-aggravated his right quadriceps, but Tomlin is optimistic that he will be able to play against the Raiders.
Left tackle Kelvin Beachum (ribs), outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley (knee), defensive end Brett Keisel (ribs) and wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (abdomen) will be limited in practice this week.
Defensive end Cameron Heyward was sent home Monday because of illness. Rookie wide receiver Markus Wheaton (finger) will miss his third straight game while tight end Richard Gordon (toe) is questionable for Sunday.