PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He wasn't injured, just on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but a big win for the Steelers getting Diontae Johnson back against Baltimore. The Steelers receiver cleared after just a couple of days after being placed in protocol.
Steelers rule only one starter out with injury against the Ravens on Sunday.
Defensive end Isaiah Buggs, who has battled injury himself, is now battling what the team states as a non-COVID illness and has been ruled out for Sunday. Also out is rookie linebacker Buddy Johnson with a foot ailment.
Not looking good for left tackle Dan Moore, the rookie hasn't practiced all week and listed as doubtful with an ankle injury. Likely veteran Joe Haeg would start on the left side.
Good news-guard Trai Turner practiced full after missing the first two days due to his knee injury and taken off the injury list, same with safety Terrell Edmunds (groin), Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral/right shoulder) and defensive back Arthur Maulet (illness).
Center Kendrick Green, who also is battling a calf injury, is on the reserve/COVID-19. Which puts JC Hassenauer in the middle of the line for a second straight week.
"JC brings such a knowledge of our system and the offense and certainly in the protection game," said offensive coordinator Matt Canada. "To come in and to be able to step in that role after not doing it all year. I thought he did a great job making the calls doing those things. He and Ben had a great rapport back and forth and I thought he did a really good job and I certainly appreciate how hard he plays, how hard he works and all he gives to us.
It's also likely Steelers will be without defensive coordinator Keith Butler due to landing on the COVID-19 list. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin would call the plays.
"I think it will still be smooth," said linebacker Alex Highsmith. "I think we got guys on the field that can communicate well. No matter who is calling plays, it will go smooth."
"The strategy end of it," Tomlin said of what he enjoyed when he was a defensive coordinator. "Chess pieces. Putting guys in position to make plays was fun and attractive."
When pressed if he missed that job, Tomlin laughed and said 'no, no, I kind of like my paycheck'.
Kickoff at 1p on KDKA-TV, it's a must-win for both teams to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
