The week 4 game against the Houston Texans figures to be one hell of a game and the Steelers will be forced to win minus two more starters on the offensive line as right guard Doug Legursky and left tackle Jonathan Scott are both listed as out on the Friday injury report. As I do every week, here is my weekly prediction of the 7 man inactive list for this week and due to the injuries and mid-week news, there is not much guessing that needs to be done this week. The official inactives will be released 90 minutes before kick-off and I will have those posted on site immediately after they are announced in the press box.
QB Dennis Dixon – Dixon should be a pro at carrying the clipboard by now and baring an injury he will be paid $1.2 million this season to do just that. Mike Tomlin prefers to dress an extra position body instead now with the new rule in place that allows teams to dress 46 players.
RB Jonathan Dwyer – Dwyer assumes his regular inactive role as well with all three running backs ahead of him healthy.
T Jonathan Scott – Scott suffered a high ankle sprain late last week against the Colts and was ruled out on Friday after sitting out all week. It is unclear if the injury could sideline him for a few more weeks, but a good showing by Trai Essex this week could make Scott have to fight for his starting spot when he is back healthy. With Scott down, Jamon Meredith will dress for the first time since being signed following week 1.
G Doug Legursky – Legursky is down with a shoulder injury suffered against the Colts last week and will be inactive this week after not practicing at all. Ramon Foster will start at right guard and Essex will likely be the back-up center if God forbid something should happen to Maurkice Pouncey. With Legursky down, second year guard/tackle Chris Scott will get a helmet this week as there has been no word that practice squad tackle Trevis Turner has been promoted to the 53 man roster.
DE Brett Keisel – Keisel sustained a grade-one PCL strain to his right knee against the Seahawks and failed to practice again this past week. He was ruled out on Friday and that means Ziggy Hood will once again get the start at right defensive end.
LB Chris Carter – Carter looked like he had finally shaken the hamstring injury, but it caused him problems last week. He dressed for the first time against the Colts and is listed as questionable headed into this game. The Steelers will surely keep him down this week and that means wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery could finally get a helmet if he is 100% over his hamstring problem.
CB Bryant McFadden – It was announced earlier this week that the Steelers would start William Gay again this week at left cornerback as the Steelers want to give McFadden plenty of time to get over the hamstring injury that has had him sidelined most of the season. McFadden was running routes on offense this week to gauge his recovery and he has not been on the injury report for the last two weeks.
