The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday on the road and during his Tuesday press conference head coach Mike Tomlin updated the health of the team heading into that game.
Tomlin started by saying that defensive end Brett Keisel has had surgery already on his triceps that he injured this past Sunday. Keisel was placed on injured reserve on Monday and defensive end Clifton Geathers was signed to the 53 man roster to take his place.
Nose tackle Steve McLendon (shoulder) is still dealing with his shoulder injury, according to Tomlin, and his status for the Bengals game will be determined later on in the week when the team works in pads. If McLendon is unable to play again, Geathers, could see some action against in the Bengals in a backup role.
Cornerback Brice McCain (hamstring) suffered a mild hamstring injury against the Saints and he has a chance to play Sunday against the Bengals. He will be allowed to practice this week, according to Tomlin.
Tomlin said rookie Ryan Shazier (ankle) has a “strong chance” to play this week. Tomlin says he was close to being ready last week. They will watch him closely this week and see how he responds to the work that he gets in practice.
Tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle) is in the same boat as Shazier, according to Tomlin. Tomlin likes his chances of being able to play.
Cornerback Ike Taylor (shoulder) has some minor shoulder discomfort but should be fine come Sunday. Tomlin also said that Taylor suffered no setbacks as far as his forearm goes.
Linebacker James Harrison (knee) will have his left knee looked out. Tomlin expects that injury to be minor and thus he should be able to play against the Bengals. He might be limited in practice this week, however.
Linebacker Jarvis Jones (wrist) had a positive week last week, per Tomlin. There’s a chance Jones might play Sunday depending on how he looks in practice this week.
Cornerback Cortez Allen (thumb) is still wearing a cast on his surgically repaired thumb and his status for Sunday will depend on how he looks in practice this week. He needs to show that he can use his hands before being allowed to play.
