Steelers Much Healthier for Round II? Not So Much.

Nov 25, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on the sidelines in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Word Out of Pittsburgh is that the Steelers are ready for a real game this weekend. Troy Polamalu, who has missed almost the entire season so far, is reportedly ready to play. As is Antonio Brown who has missed several weeks with a high ankle sprain. David DeCastro might play after being activated from IR(with a return designation) but he might have been activated just to play a few weeks from now, this week was the end of his return eligibility. For Steelers Fans, that is the good news.

Ben Roethlisberger has a 50/50 chance (at best) to play after practicing the past 2 days in limited capacity. The Steelers biggest scratches are going to be their banged up OLBs. Harrison will play but he isn’t himself, same goes (to a lesser degree) for Timmons who suffered some minor injuries last week. LaMarr Woodley is likely out, he hasn’t practiced this week due to a sprained ankle and it would be surprising to see him go. Rashard Mendenhall is slightly healthier, but he has been demoted and is no longer starting for the Steelers. Mike Adams is out, in his place the Steelers will start rookie seventh round pick Kelvin Beachem will start. Beachem is tiny for an NFL tackle at just 6’2” 303 lbs. for pure power rushers like Art Jones and Paul Kruger, this is a dream matchup.

A healthy Steelers team was going to find it very difficult to take down the Ravens in Baltimore, this group, especially if Roethlisberger is out, has little or no chance.