Pittsburgh Steelers: Injury Report Week 15
By Zack Zeigler
The 10-3 Denver Broncos come into Heinz Field to take on the 8-5 Pittsburgh Steelers today at 4:25 p.m.
For being in week 13 of the season, the Steelers are relatively healthy with their only major losses being Le’Veon Bell and Kelvin Beachum. The list of probables this week is rather long and includes many starters. However, each has about a 75% chance to play according to Bob Labriola.
Status report for @Steelers: everybody who was on the injury report at any point of the week is listed as probable.
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) December 18, 2015
The list includes names such as Heath Miller, DeAngelo Williams, and Mike Mitchell.
PROBABLE: Will Allen, Bud Dupree, Will Gay, James Harrison, Heath Miller, Mike Mitchell, Ryan Shazier, Matt Spaeth and DeAngelo Williams
— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) December 18, 2015
Last week Miller, who is dealing with a rib injury, had 10 receptions making him the fourth Steeler player all-time to have three games with 10 receptions in a season.
With 10 catches today, Heath Miller is the 4th player in #Steelers history with 3 games of 10 or more receptions. pic.twitter.com/AYo7AJb9Sq
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 13, 2015
Miller will be a key player in today’s game if he is able to go. One of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger‘s most reliable targets, Miller has 456 yards on 45 catches this season with one touchdown. While Jesse James filled in for Miller in week 13 against the Colts having three catches for 30 yards, Miller is a key to the Steeler offense and a player that they need to have today.
Another name we see on the injury report is Mike Mitchell. Mitchell leads this team in interceptions with three on this defense that ranks seventh in the league with 14 interceptions. Mitchell is dealing with a shoulder injury this week after his hit on Tyler Eifert last week. According to Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette head coach Mike Tomlin expects Mitchell to play.
#Steelers Mike Tomlin on injuries: Mike Mitchell (shoulder) monitor him. Anticipate "just" uncomfortable.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) December 15, 2015
Williams missed practice on Thursday due to illness, and linebacker Ryan Shazier is dealing with a knee injury. Both are expectd to play on Sunday.
Mike Mitchell (shoulder), Ryan Shazier (knee) and DeAngelo Williams (illness) missed practice today. Bud Dupree was limited.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) December 17, 2015
With a game that will be based on defense today, the Steelers will need all of their guys in today. Ryan Shazier and Mitchell are both among the leaders in tackles this season with 61 and 64 respectively, and Mitchell leads the team in interceptions with three. With these two players in the game, the defense will be more tenacious will put more pressure on rookie Brock Osweiler.
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On offense, Williams has been a great back up for the injured Le’Veon Bell compiling 773 yards this season. The 10 year veteran will look to have a big day against the 30th ranked rushing defense in the Denver Broncos.
With many of the probable players expected to play today, look for this game to be a tightly contested contest. The team who has the ball last today will more than likely be the team to win this game. With the Steelers playoff hopes still very much alive, this is a crucial game for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the fans that cheer them on.