Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Report: LaMarr Woodley listed as doubtful vs. Lions
By Matt Shetler
When the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon at Heinz Field, there is a good chance they will have to do so without their best pass rusher.
Outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley is listed as doubtful for Sunday with a calf injury, meaning it’s likely he won’t be available when the Steelers search for their second consecutive victory.
Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley (56) warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Woodley leads the Steelers with five sacks on the season, which isn’t really anything to brag about, but considering the fact that the Steelers only have 16 sacks (28th in NFL) as a team on the season, his potential absence could be felt.
If Woodley can’t go, expect Jason Worilds to start in his spot and rookie Jarvis Jones to get the start on the right side.
Woodley, who missed practice Friday for a third consecutive day, remains optimistic about his chances to play, telling Mike Prisuta of Steelers.com:
"“I have a great shot,” Woodley said. “Two days left. I have until 11:30 on Sunday. I’m the only one who really knows how my calf is feeling, if I’m able to go, if I’m going to be out there helping the team or hurting the team. It’s definitely going to be my decision if I can go or not. Got plenty of time to test it. My biggest test is going to be Sunday morning. We’ll see then.”"
Defensive end Brett Keisel also missed practice for a third consecutive day on Friday with a foot injury and, along with guard Ramon Foster, is listed as questionable.
Keisel calls himself a game-time decision and thinks he will be available. If he can’t go for some reason, Ziggy Hood will likely get the start in his spot. Is Foster can’t go; Guy Whimper will get the nod at left guard.
In other injury news, rookie safety Shamarko Thomas is out with an ankle injury while the likes of: T Kelvin Beachum (hip); G David DeCastro (ankle); T Marcus Gilbert (ankle); TE Heath Miller (not injury related); T Mike Adams (ribs); and C Fernando Velasco (knee) are also listed as probable.