It was announced earlier today that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a broken or fractured thumb on his right hand against the Bengals on Sunday and while he is expected to be ready for the Sunday night game against the Kansas City Chiefs following the bye this week, the status of outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley and second year receiver Emmanuel Sanders for that game looks to be in doubt.
Steelers beat writer Gerry Dulac was on NFL Network this evening and said that he thinks Sanders will be out for sure against the Chiefs as he recovers from the minor surgery on his knee. Dulac also insinuated that there is a strong chance that Woodley might not make it back against the Chiefs in addition as he continues to recover from his hamstring injury suffered against the Patriots several weeks ago. Dulac likened the hamstring injury that Woodley suffered to that of Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson. Johnson hurt his hamstring against the Steelers back in week 3 and has yet to return to action. Woodley did tell reporters today that he hopefully would be back after the bye week, but that may just be his optimism talking.
The Steelers are already heavy favorites over the Chiefs, who will be without the services of quarterback Matt Cassel, and it makes sense not to rush back Woodley or Sanders if they are not 100%. The Steelers host the Bengals in week 13 and that would look like the best bet to see both back in uniform.
