I normally like to get this list up on Friday, but wanted to wait until today because of the Matt Spaeth injury. I was not sure if the Steelers might consider an extra body from the practice squad. It was a stretch and does not look like it will happen. Instead we got news this morning that Brett Keisel was added to the injury report as questionable with a calf injury. If he is indeed down again and Spaeth does not dress, it could mean the Steelers dress an extra linemen this week in the form of tackle Tony Hills. Below are the eight players we expect to see on the Steelers inactive list released 90 minutes before kickoff on Sunday afternoon against the Buffalo Bills. 6 of these 8 are near locks.
QB Charlie Batch – No surprises here with Uncle Charlie. He once again is the emergency #3 QB this week.
TE Matt Spaeth – Spaeth suffered a concussion against the Raiders last week and had a setback following a full practice on Thursday. He missed Friday and was listed as doubtful on the injury report. It would be very surprising at this point if he dressed and played. David Johnson will see his role increase this week.
DE Brett Keisel – Added to the injury report as questionable with a calf injury after just getting over his hamstring problem. He worked all week and appeared ready to go. I see no reason to push him with the calf. Looks like Tony Hills might be the beneficiary and the Steelers could dress and extra tackle with Spaeth also being down. Steve McLendon looks safe again to get a helmet on Sunday.
DE Aaron Smith – Still likely 4 weeks away or more for Aaron. If the Steelers keep winning, there will be no reason to rush him.
WR Antonio Brown – Looks like a knee injury suffered last week against the Raiders will keep him down this week. He will need to continue to fight every week to get a helmet from here on out.
RB Jonathan Dwyer – No big surprise here.
T Chris Scott – He will continue to likely be inactive every week baring injuries. Remember he missed all of camp and all the preseason and is likely not getting many reps in practice.
CB Crezdon Butler – The last spot is tough, but based on the injuries and the return of special teamer Will Allen to the lineup after he missed time with a concussion, Butler is the obvious choice to sit.
