It was already reported earlier that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be without the services of three key veterans when they host the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field Sunday afternoon. Casey Hampton (shoulder), G Chris Kemoeatu (knee) and DE Aaron Smith (foot).
Of course, earlier in the week, Steeler Nation learned that James Harrison would be out for an extended period time as he recovered from a surgically repaired orbital bone fracture. One of his potential backups, Jason Worilds was also ruled out with an ailing quadriceps muscle. And last but not least, the Steelers will be without RB Mewelde Moore (ankle), leaving Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer as the only two healthy running backs on the roster. Rashard Mendenhall is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury suffered during a nondescript touchdown run in Pittsburgh’s Week 4 loss to the Houston Texans.
Ben Roethlisberger, to the relief of fans, is listed as probably and fully expected to play on Sunday.
Here’s the injury report filed by the Titans for Week 5.
Out: S Chris Hope (forearm)
Questionable: G Leroy Harris (knee), TE Craig Stevens (rib)
Probable: S Michael Griffin (illness), KR Marc Mariani (hip), LB Gerald McRath (knee)
It goes without saying that the Titans enter Sunday’s game in much better shape injury-wise. Too bad former Steelers safety Chris Hope won’t be able to go. It’s been five full years since he helped the Steelers win SB XL, but you can tell he always enjoys seeing some of his former teammates who, like him, have managed to continue playing at a high level well into their 30s.
For more Steelers coverage and analysis leading up to Sunday kickoff, visit Behind the Steel Curtain.