6 of the 8 inactives for the Steelers on Sunday are virtual locks in Charlie Batch, Aaron Smith, Jonathan Dwyer, Steve McLendon, Tony Hills and Chris Scott. The last 2 spots on the inactive list are really dependent on the injury status of special teamer Will Allen and starting left cornerback Bryant McFadden, both of whom are questionable on the injury report. Regardless of their health, I think Keenan Lewis will dress as a safety precaution. There are 4 players I think that could be considered candidates for those final two inactive spots and those players are Allen, McFadden, Crezdon Butler and Jason Worilds. Below are the eight players we expect to see on the Steelers inactive list released 90 minutes before kickoff on Sunday night against the Jets and why.
QB Charlie Batch – No surprise here as Uncle Charlie once again will be the #3 emergency quarterback on Sunday. I hope he gets one more game in a Steelers uniform after the clock hits all zeros Sunday night.
DE Aaron Smith – Smith was just not close enough for the doctors to give him a green light this week and once again he was limited all week on the practice field. Should the Steelers get by the Jets on Sunday, he might have a shot at suiting up for the Super Bowl.
RB Jonathan Dwyer – Dwyer is a lock to be on the Sunday inactives as well. He still has a ton to learn before being able to be a regular contributor on the field.
DT Steve McLendon – McLendon is merely a depth body for the defensive line and has no chance of dressing against the Jets. He will have his work cut out making an NFL roster next season.
T Tony Hills – Ditto from the last week write up on Hills. His time on the Steelers roster is closer to coming to an end as it would be hard to see them bringing him back next year.
T Chris Scott – Scott has not dressed since coming off the PUP list earlier this season. Had Max Starks not went down, he would of likely spent the rest of his rookie season on injured reserve.
S Will Allen – I have a funny feeling that Allen will just not be ready come Sunday with his knee injury suffered against the Ravens last week. If he is inactive, it will be a big blow for the Steelers special teams. I see Keenan Lewis getting a gameday spot as a special teams guy, a backup corner and an emergency safety.
CB Crezdon Butler – This last spot is a guess as well. Jason Worilds might offer more on special teams, but just as easy can be inactive considering the Steelers also have a dinged up Bryant McFadden. By all accounts McFadden will still likely suit up and give it a go. Should he not be ready though, he will be inactive and Butler will dress in his spot. This really could go either way on this last spot.
