The Steelers’ embattled offensive line took a big hit yesterday when the team placed starting left guard Matt Feiler on regular season-ending injured reserve. Feiler left the game against the Bills Sunday night because of a pectoral injury. Under this year’s IR rules, he could return for the first playoff game.
Rookie Kevin Dotson would be expected to replace Feiler in the lineup, but he also suffered a pectoral injury on Sunday, so his health is a big issue. Coach Mike Tomlin will address the Steelers’ injury situation at his news conference this afternoon. Derwin Gray, the team’s 2019 seventh round draft choice, is a tackle capable of playing guard, and the team has tackles Anthony Coyle and Brandon Walton on the practice squad. The Steelers released veteran Stefen Wisniewski earlier in the season after he returned from an injury suffered in the first game of the year.
The Steelers also have ongoing problems at linebacker. Alex Highsmith left Sunday’s game in the fourth quarter and the team has not said anything yet about his status. They are adding outside linebacker Cassius Marsh to the roster. He has played parts of seven seasons and was signed from the Indianapolis Colts practice squad last week.
