Steelers Injury Concerns Have Potential Postseason Implications

The Pittsburgh Steelers control their destiny in the AFC North despite losing this week to the Baltimore Ravens.

The 10-5 Steelers remain atop the AFC North, but the 10-5 Ravens have closed the gap for the lead. Pittsburgh has two games left this season, facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers have to win both games to clinch the division without needing outside help, but they have been dealing with many injuries.

The Steelers need to get healthy before the playoffs after being plagued with injuries that may impact their standing in the AFC North, according to Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department.

“There aren’t many options for the Steelers to get better other than to get healthier. Beating the Ravens isn’t easy, and it was even more difficult based on the injury report. Cornerback Donte Jackson and safety DeShon Elliott were both out for the game, and Joey Porter Jr. left early with a calf injury. Add in George Pickens sitting out another game, and the Steelers were in a tough spot.”

“Things aren’t getting any easier. The Steelers play the Chiefs on Christmas Day, giving them an incredibly short week to get healthy and prepared for the biggest game of the season to date.”

Missing multiple defensive starters and losing Porter Jr. during the Ravens game put the Steelers at a major disadvantage against one of the league’s better offenses. Pickens has also been out for the past three weeks, which has resulted in the offense struggling. Pittsburgh can still win the division, but more importantly, it needs to get healthy for the playoffs.

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