A few injuries for the Steelers this week will likely shake up a few things on the inactive list this week against the New York Jets. It looks almost certain that Troy Polamalu (ankle) will miss the contest and it is not looking good for Heath Miller (concussion) as well. Steve McLendon (stinger) and Aaron Smith (triceps) will be out and inactive and likely joined by the other regular inactives of Charlie Batch, Jonathan Dwyer, Chris Scott and 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 New York Jets and why.
QB Charlie Batch – This is an easy one. Batch remains the #3 emergency quarterback.
DE Aaron Smith – Smith is of course back lifting weights and is gearing up to be ready for the playoffs. Hopefully the Steelers get a first round bye to give him an extra week.
S Troy Polamalu – It looks like Troy will likely be down for the Jets games and the Panthers game at the very least. Hopefully he can sit week 17 as well against the Browns and be ready to go for the playoffs. Ryan Mundy will take his spot at strong safety it appears. Get well soon, Troy.
TE Heath Miller – Miller experienced a setback after Wednesday practice, but returned to practice fully on Friday. He is listed as questionable on the injury report. This is a tough call, but I think the team might be careful with him this week and make him sit.
DT Steve McLendon – A stinger will likely ensure that McLendon is down again this week and he was likely going to be inactive anyways now that Brett Keisel has returned.
RB Jonathan Dwyer – With all three running backs relative healthy ahead of him, nothing likely changes with the Dwyer situation and he will spend his 14th game in a row on the inactive list. He is the team leader in that category. If The Steelers win and few other games go right on Sunday, perhaps Dwyer can play against either the Panthers or Browns. Just a guess.
T Chris Scott – Scott is pretty much a lock to be down again as a rookie with no experience.
T Tony Hills – This spot could go either way again, especially if Miller is indeed out. If Miller plays, Hills is a near lock to be on the list. With Polamalu likey out the Steelers will likely dress both Keenan Lewis and Crezdon Butler it would seem. That said, this spot could belong to Hills, Butler or Lewis easily. I am going with Hills here.
