When the Steelers take the field against the Broncos on Sunday, they’ll do so without their starting running back, top receiver and maybe even quarterback.
Hours after announcing that all-Pro receiver Antonio Brown would miss Pittsburgh’s AFC Divisional Round game, the team ruled out running back DeAngelo Williams and proclaimed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger questionable.
Steelers injury report lists QB Ben Roethlisberger as questionable, rule RB DeAngelo Williams out for Sunday in Denver.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 15, 2016
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, Roethlisberger, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, will more likely than not play Sunday.
#Steelers list QB Ben Roethlisberger as questionable and barring a setback, he's playing. Team just wants to see how he responds on Saturday
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 15, 2016
Roethlisberger injured his shoulder during the Steelers’ playoff-opening win over the Bengals last Saturday. He left the game but returned (after a rough outing from back-up Landry Jones) to lead Pittsburgh to a game-winning field goal drive, on which he appeared unable to throw downfield.
Williams exited in the second quarter of the Steelers’ Week 17 game against the Browns after injuring his ankle on a run up the middle. He did not play in the win over the Bengals.
Steelers DeAngelo Williams carted off field
With Williams out, ball-carrying responsibility will likely again fall to Jordan Todman and Fitzgerald Toussaint, who carried 11 and 17 times, respectively, last weekend, for a total of 123 yards.
If Roethlisberger is not close to 100% Sunday, the Steelers will have an immensely difficult time against a tough Broncos defense. Denver has allowed 30 or more points in a game only once this season, ceding 34 during a Week 15 loss to… the Steelers.
Will Pittsburgh be able to replicate that performance without Brown and Williams, relying on a gimpy Roethlisberger? That’s why they play the games.
