Steelers vs Giants: Final Injury Report – Dwyer Doubtful

Dwyer more than likely will sit out this Sunday against the Giants. Credit: Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

Friday’s practice has come and gone for both the Steelers and New York Giants.  The final injury reports took an interesting turn, and could complicate the Steelers offensive game plan when the arrive in Jersey.

For the Giants:

Out
LB Chase Blackburn  (Hamstring – DNP)
LB Jacquian Williams  (Knee – DNP)

Doubtful
LB Keith Rivers (Calf – LP)

Questionable
RB Ahmad Bradshaw (Foot – DNP)
TE Bear Pascoe (Ankle – LP)
S Kenny Phillips (Knee – LP)

Probable
C David Baas (Ankle/Elbow)
DT Rocky Bernard (Quadriceps – FP)
WR Victor Cruz (Calf – FP)
S Antrel Rolle (Concussion – FP)

The Giants are suffering at the linebacker position, and none bigger than with Chase Blackburn.  Blackburn has two sacks and has forced two fumbles for his defense.  As mentioned earlier in the week, the Steelers were already planning on attacking the linebacker level of the field – expect them to be even more aggressive there with passes to Heath Miller and crossing routes from the other receivers.

For the Steelers:

Out
T Marcus Gilbert (Ankle – DNP)
S Troy Polamalu (Calf – DNP)
LB Stevenson Sylvester (Hamstring – DNP)

Doubtful
RB Jonathan Dwyer (Quadriceps – DNP)
RB Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles – DNP)

Probable
RB Baron Batch (Shin – FP)
S Ryan Clark (Concussion – FP)
LB Brandon Johnson (Hamstring – FP)
RB Isaac Redman (Ankle – FP)
LB LaMarr Woodley (Hamstring – FP)

It’s good to see Clark and Woodley on the probable list.  The defense will need the extra dose of pass rushing from Woodley, and the secondary needs at least Clark’s presence if they don’t have Polamalu’s again this week.  The biggest possible blow is the doubtful state of Jonathan Dwyer.  Struggling with a quad injury this week, Dwyer sat out of practice on Friday and became downgraded to doubtful.  There’s a strong possibility now that he won’t play and have a chance to get his third 100 yard game in as many weeks.  It’s a blow to him and the offense if he doesn’t play on Sunday.  The running game and offensive line really seemed to find its groove against the Bengals and then the Redskins.  Redman is listed as probable and will more than likely get the start.