The Steelers are a little banged up heading into their game next Sunday against Detroit.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said rookie safety Shamarko Thomas is out this week - and possibly longer - with a high ankle sprain.
Guard Ramon Foster also has a high ankle sprain, but Tomlin isn't counting him out just yet. Guy Whimper would likely get the start at left guard if Foster can't play.
That's a big injury considering the strength of the Detroit defense is its interior line play.
LaMarr Woodley (calf) and Brett Keisel (foot) also will be limited early in the week.
@ With Thomas out, look for veteran safety Will Allen to play a more prominent role.
@ Tomlin said that veteran tight end Michael Palmer has earned more playing time due to what he's shown in practice.
The depth chart reflects that. Palmer is now No. 2 with David Paulson No. 3.
Tomlin didn't have an update yet on the status of Matt Spaeth, but Spaeth has been around the facility more often lately and has made a couple of the recent road trips as well.
I've been asked why the Steelers are carrying four active tight ends on their roster. The reason is simple, even though Richard Gordon has yet to dress for a game.
Heath Miller has been given every Wednesday off this season to rest his knee. The Steelers need Gordon around to practice on Wednesdays.
If/when Spaeth is activated, Gordon will be let go.
@ Tomlin's line of the day came when discussing running back Jonathan Dwyer's contributions this season.
When asked if he's seen a change in Dwyer's outlook, Tomlin replied, "I would guess that unemployment does that."
Whimper has been better than anticipated but not that great; it will hinder the running game for sure. Foster and Beachum haven't looked all that impressive either but they have their moments. I hope Adams can get his head straight and get back in there soon. He looked good on a lot of plays but those plays where he was lost were far too frequent, especially with the rest of the line in shambles.
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