In what amounts to a minor surprise, the Pittsburgh Steelers have ruled starting inside linebacker Ryan Shazier out vs. the San Diego Chargers. Ryan Shazier was injured at the tail, tail end of the Steelers 43-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. At the time Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin described Shazier’s injury as simply “bumps and bruises” along the way.
- However, Shazier did not play in the Steelers win over the St. Louis Rams, nor did he play in the Steelers overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Shazier however did return to practice this week and, according to Ralph Paulk of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Shazier pronounced himself “good to go” after the Steelers final practice ahead of the Chargers game. The Steelers however have officially ruled Shazier out vs the Chargers.
Sean Spence will replace Ryan Shazier this week, although Vince Williams is also expected to get snaps.
Bryant’s Status in Doubt Too
Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant returned from a four game suspension this week, and Bryant’s return was expected to provide a boost to both Michael Vick and the entire Steelers offense. The Steelers, however, have not yet activated Bryant, and need not do so until Monday afternoon before the game.
- Dale Lolley of the Irwin Standard Observer confirmed that Bryant “practiced sparingly” this week, and Mike Tomlin does not like to play younger players who’ve had less than a full week of practice.
Given the porous run defense of the San Diego Chargers, combined with the fact that the Steelers are already playing without Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers can be expected to lean heavily on Le’Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams.
Beyond ruling Ryan Shazier out vs chargers, the Steelers listed Cortez Allen as questionable, Matt Spaeth (hand), Daniel McCullers (knee), Markus Wheaton (ankle) and Ross Ventrone where all listed as questionable.
