Pittsburgh Steelers: David DeCastro ruled out vs. Patriots
By Matt Shetler
The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line hasn’t been very good when they are healthy, however the injuries keep piling up which is really testing a line that is not only struggling to perform, but is paper thin when it comes to quality depth.
The latest victim is 2012 first-round pick David DeCastro has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots with an ankle injury, which is a big blow to the team.
August 19, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard David DeCastro (66) on the sidelines against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
DeCastro didn’t practice today, the third straight day of preparation he’s missed and the coaching staff has officially excluded him from participating on Sunday.
The last few weeks, before injuring the ankle in last week’s loss to the Oakland Raiders, DeCastro was starting to look like the dominant interior lineman that many have projected him to be. Even though he has only made a handful of NFL starts, DeCastro already is the NFL’s fourth highest-ranked guard in Pro Football Focus’ player grading.
DeCastro’s injury means there will be more shuffling of the offensive line, which isn’t good news for the Steelers rushing attack or quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who could take another beating on Sunday.
The good news is that starting left guard Ramon Foster (concussion) is optimistic about being available to start at New England and reserve offensive lineman Guy Whimper (knee) was a full practice participant and anticipates starting in DeCastro’s spot.
If Whimper and Foster can go, Kelvin Beachum will likely stay at left tackle on Sunday.
However the last thing that the Steelers struggling line can afford right now is for DeCastro to be out of the lineup.
Hopefully for their sake it will be only one week.