The Steelers’ offseason workouts led to a lot of buzz about the role that first-round pick Ryan Shazier is going to play on defense during his rookie season, but the linebacker hasn’t been able to back it up in a game yet.
It may be at least another week before that happens. Shazier missed the team’s preseason opener with a knee bruise and he has yet to return to a full practice schedule this week. That leaves him questionable for Saturday’s game against the Bills, a designation he shares with linebacker Jarvis Jones. Jones had a sack against the Giants, but a groin injury has left his status for this week’s game in doubt. With Vince Williams recovering from a concussion, it could leave coach Mike Tomlin’s team short at linebacker.
“We’re going to play everybody healthy and capable of playing,” Tomlin said, via ESPN.com. “We’re going to hold out until the 11th hour in terms of making a decision whether they are available or not and try and give everybody an opportunity to play in the football game.”
One guy who won’t be answering the call is long snapper Greg Warren. Warren tore the meniscus in his knee and is likely out for several weeks, including the start of the regular season, while he recovers.