The Pittsburgh Steelers first injury report of the week has now been released and it includes a little bit of bad news.
Nose tackle Steve McLendon (shoulder) wasn’t able to practice Wednesday and while it’s still early in the week, it doesn’t look like he will make it back for the game Sunday at Heinz Field against the Indianapolis Colts.
If McLendon is down once again, Cam Thomas will more than likely get the start at nose tackle. In addition, rookie nose tackle Daniel McCullers would also likely dress for a second straight game.
Also not practicing Wednesday was tackle Marcus Gilbert (concussion). Gilbert is still going through the mandatory concussion protocol, so there’s a chance he might be able to return to practice Thursday or Friday and play Sunday.
Limited Wednesday was and linebacker Ryan Shazier (knee). The fact that he wasn’t able to practice fully Wednesday is certainly not good news. With it being a short week, he almost certainly will need to practice fully on Thursday and Friday if he hopes to play Sunday against the Colts. Shazier has been unable to play since injuring his knee back in Week 3.
Practicing on a limited basis Wednesday were cornerback Ike Taylor (forearm) and safety Shamarko Thomas. Taylor is only doing individual drills upon his return to the practice field and has already been ruled out for Sunday. There’s still no timetable for his return.
As for Thomas, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, it’s probably not a good sign that he’s still limited. Like Shazier, he will more than likely have to practice fully Thursday and Friday if he wants to have any hope of playing Sunday.
Defensive end Brett Keisel (not injury related), safety Troy Polamalu (not injury related) and safety Mike Mitchell (not injury related) were all given a veteran’s day off Wednesday.
