Despite Injuries, Brett Keisel and LaMarr Woodley Staying Positive

Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Brett Keisel and LaMarr Woodley are trying to stay optimistic when it comes to their respective statuses for tomorrow’s game against the Detroit Lions according to Mike Prisuta of Steelers.com.

While both veterans did not participate in practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, they are nevertheless in high spirits and are trying their best to get on the field for their 3-6 team.

Woodley, who exited last weekend’s game against the Bills with a calf injury, is listed as “doubtful” for Pittsburgh’s upcoming game versus Detroit. As I mentioned yesterday, Jason Worilds will likely have to slide over to take Woodley’s place if the team’s current sack leader (5.0) is sidelined.

That in turn would force rookie Jarvis Jones back into the starting lineup, and Pittsburgh’s inconsistent pass-rush would be facing the league’s least sacked quarterback in the form of Matt Stafford without their most experienced outside linebacker.

Woodley seems to be in high spirits and stated the following according to Prisuta:

"I have a great shot [to play], … Two days left. I have unil 11:30 (a.m.) on Sunday (when active players are announced). I’m the only one who really knows how my calf is feeling, if I’m able to go, if I’m going to be out there helping the team or hurting the team. It’s definitely going to be my decision if I can go or not."

Keisel, who is being nagged by a foot injury, is listed as “questionable” for tomorrow’s game. Like Woodley, he is the most experienced player at his positional unit, and the veteran defensive end’s absence would cause Pittsburgh’s coaching staff to likely bump Ziggy Hood back into the starting lineup.

In what could be the most crucial game of the year for the Steelers, the defense cannot afford to be without two of their most important veterans before they take on one of the most potent offenses in the entire league. Of course, injuries are a part of life in the NFL so the Steelers will need their backups to step up for the hobbled veterans if they are called upon against Detroit.

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