Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin held his weekly press conference on Tuesday and as usual, he updated the health of his team ahead of the Sunday road game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tomlin started off by talking about running back DeAngelo Williams (knee), who has been sidelined since Week 9. He indicated that the veteran running back has a “legitimate chance” to play this week against the Bengals.
“DeAngelo Williams worked some last week and had some positive results of that work,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin was less optimistic about wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (foot) being able to return this week. With that said, he’s not ready to completely close the door on him.
“We won’t make any final judgments, we’ll let his availability and participation be our guide as we get into the week,” Tomlin said of Heyward-Bey. “I’ve yet to see him today.”
After missing the game against the Buffalo Bills, guard Ramon Foster (chest) and safety Shamarko Thomas (concussion) both have a chance to play against the Bengals, Tomlin said Tuesday. The team will monitor both players during practice this week, Tomlin added.
Tomlin did say Tuesday that defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (concussion) and guard B.J. Finney (concussion) are currently in protocol. Hargrave missed the game against the Bills while Finney played every snap at left guard in place of Foster. Tomlin said Finney didn’t show concussion symptoms until after the game.
“Hargrave and B.J. Finney are in the protocol. Both guys are being evaluated as we speak,” Tomlin said. “I dont know the status of that.”
During his injury rundown, Tomlin did not mention safety Mike Mitchell (knee), who left the game against the Bills with his injury but ultimately returned to action.
Quotes forthcoming.
