The Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking to snap their two-game losing streak in Week 9, but they will have their work cut out for them, as they have a difficult matchup against the Indianapolis Colts on their hands. However, ahead of this game, the Colts were forced to rule out a pair of key players, defensive end Samson Ebukam and wide receiver Anthony Gould.
After missing the entire 2024 campaign with a torn Achilles tendon, Ebukam has made a triumphant return this season. He missed the team’s Week 8 win over the Tennessee Titans with a knee injury, though, and he will be stuck on the sidelines again in Week 9. Also joining him on the sidelines with a knee injury is Gould, who has been the team’s primary kickoff and punt returner this year.
“Per Shane Steichen, we have ruled out DE Samson Ebukam (knee) and WR Anthony Gould (knee),” the team announced in a post on X.
Without Ebukam, Indianapolis will likely lean more on Laiatu Latu and Kwity Paye at defensive tackle, while Josh Downs and Ashton Dulin seem likely to help fill in for Gould. Neither guy is the most important player on the Colts, but the coaching staff will have to adapt quickly against a Steelers team that is desperate for a win.
Pittsburgh is likely going to have to find a way to keep pace with Indianapolis’ high-powered offense if it wants any shot of winning this one, but it remains to be seen whether or not the team has the offensive firepower to do that. Kickoff for this wildly important clash is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.
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