PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Questions already about the team’s offensive line, a starter was unable to practice on Thursday before playing at Cincinnati.
Right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor didn’t go because of a back injury with only one more practice to go before opening day. Trent Scott would likely be the back-up with newcomer Jesse Davis as another option if Okorafor can’t go.
Cam Heyward did not practice, but it was a coach’s decision. Most of last year the 33 year-old had a day off during the week.
Receiver Diontae Johnson was limited in practice for a second straight day. He continues to deal with a shoulder injury and then had to miss some time with cramps. Linebacker Marcus Allen was limited on Wednesday, but back full on Thursday.
Those are the only injuries as the team is fairly healthy heading into the start of the season.
Special teams
Sunday could come down to a big play on special teams to separate the AFC North rivals. It was pointed out by Mike Tomlin and then several of the players this week.
“100%, you never know what it is going to be,” said Steelers Special Teams Captain Miles Killebrew. “Coach always talk about how these games are close. That’s what we are expecting. We are expecting it to be a fight and come down to a few plays.”
“There are always big plays early in the year,” said long-time special teamer Derek Watt. “Everyone has to be on their stuff. That blocked punt in the first game last year was big for us.”
Steelers scored a touchdown to make it 13-10 at Buffalo early in the fourth quarter to open last season. The favored Bills had plenty of time, but the Steelers really took control of the game when Killebrew burst through to block a punt on the ensuing position, Ulysees Gilbert recovered it in the end zone. The Steelers went up 10 and on their way to the upset.
“It was huge, not only blocking it, but scoring a touchdown off of it was huge,” Watt said. “It swung the game all the momentum in our favor.”