The Steelers are preparing for the worst when it comes to news about guard David DeCastro’s knee, but they might not need to light any candles for defensive end Brett Keisel’s ankle.
Keisel left Saturday night’s game against the Bills early after suffering what the team is calling a mild high left ankle sprain. Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Keisel told reporters that he “was fine” after the game, although making that determination official will have to wait until everyone finds out just how mild a sprain it really is.
High ankle sprains can keep players out of the lineup for a month or more, so there’s definitely some time pressure to make sure that he’s ready for the first week of the regular season. That likely means he won’t be clambering onto any tractors in the next couple of weeks. Keisel, who has missed 14 games in the last four seasons, was very productive last season and the Steelers were counting on more of the same from him up front this year.
Cameron Heyward replaced Keisel on Saturday and will likely get the nod if Keisel isn’t able to go against the Broncos on opening night. Heyward, last year’s first-round pick, had a sack and 11 tackles in 16 games as a backup last season.