The Latest Steelers Injury Buzz for Sunday’s game vs Ravens

Out: Ben Roethlisberger, LaMArr Woodley, Byron Leftwich, Mike Adams

Questionable: Willie Colon, Jerricho Cotchery

Probable: Antonio Brown, Troy Polamalu

QB Situation: Ben Roethlisberger never progressed throughout the week and was very sore on Thursday following a limited workout on Wednesday. All week Roethlisberger was unable to put any zip on his throws or throw deep due to his shoulder injury. Roethlisberger being officially ruled out shouldn’t have surprised anyone and the Steelers turn to Charlie Batch for the second straight game as the Steelers look to avoid a three game losing streak and falling to 6-6 on the season. With the coaching staff pretty much knowing Roethlisberger wasn’t going to be an option to play, the entire game plan has centered around Batch starting. Brian Hoyer will be the primary backup for the second straight week.

Colon’s Status; DeCastro not ready: Willie Colon (knee) practiced on Friday and is officially listed as questionable. By practicing today, Colon has put himself in position to possibly play but his knee is a bit troublesome and could flare up at any point. Going into last weekend, the team thought he was going to be able to give it a go but that didn’t happen. If the knee responds well over the weekend and Colon is able to go, the Steelers starting offensive line will feature LT Max Starks – LG Willie Colon – C Maurkice Pouncey – RG Ramon Foster – RT Kelvin Beachum. If Colon is unable to go, the Steelers are prepared to start Maurkice Pouncey at left guard and move Doug Legrusky into the starting lineup at center. Pouncey saw extensive time in practice at left guard. First round pick David DeCastro could be active for the first time this season but the Steelers don’t feel he’s ready for any extensive action. Look for the Steelers starting O-line on Sunday left to right to be Starks – Pouncey – Legursky – Foster – Beachum.

Troy to Play: Troy Polamalu makes his return to the Steelers lineup after missing nine of eleven games this season. Polamalu will be on a snap count and whether he can get through a full game remains to be seen.

Boost coming at WR: Top wide receiver Antonio Brown went through practice all week and looks to provide a boost to a struggling receiving group who the only bright spot of late has been Emmanuel Sanders. Jerricho Cotchery practiced on a limited basis all week and the sense is he will be inactive on Sunday as Plaxico Burress should be active as the No. 4 receiver.