If you needed any other evidence that DeAngelo Williams’ chances of playing Sunday are slim, several reporters caught him back in a walking boot today.
At least he has a sense of humor about it.
Mike Tomlin said he would “leave the door ajar” for him to play against the Denver Broncos. That leaves a chance of course but is not a promising start to the week. Williams saw a foot specialist in North Carolina earlier in the week. While being back in the boot might be part of the rehab, and doesn’t necessarily point to a setback, it’s pretty clear his odds of playing are faint.
If he sits out again, Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jordan Todman will see the workload, just as they did last week.
The Broncos run defense was the best in the league, allowing just 3.3 yards per carry. In Week 15, the Steelers averaged a paltry 1.4 yards per carry, “led” by Williams 26 yards on 14 carries. The San Diego Chargers in Week 13 were the last team to average at least 4 yards per carry in a game against the Broncos.
Regardless of who is running, the Steelers will have their work cut out for them, and it’s critical for the offensive line to get a push against the Broncos’ fantastic defensive line, led by Malik Jackson and Derek Wolfe.
