Foot Injury “Not Serious” for Emmanuel Sanders

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers suffered a bit of a scare on Sunday when Emmanuel Sanders left the game with a foot injury in the second quarter. The fourth-year wide receiver did not return to action that afternoon, and many were left wondering about the status of the team’s “number two” receiver for this weekend’s game versus the Cleveland Browns.

Thankfully for the Steelers and their offense, the injury itself is not believed to be serious. In fact, Sanders commented after the game that he “could have went back in.” According to Scott Brown of ESPN.com, Pittsburgh’s coaching staff reportedly held the former S.M.U. Mustang out to prevent their wide receiver from injuring his foot further on the soupy bog known as Heinz Field.

While Jerricho Cotchery (three catches for 48 yards and a touchdown) and Markus Wheaton (three catches for 38 yards) did solid jobs in his place, losing Sanders would be a big blow to their offense as they attempt to make a postseason run over the next month and a half.

Sanders ranks second on the team with 42 catches and 509 receiving yards, and has also added two touchdown receptions to boot. His speed and quickness make him a viable threat to catch the ball inside and outside the numbers, and him and Antonio Brown do a fine job of opening the middle of the field for guys like Heath Miller and Cotchery as well.

Without a strong or consistent ground attack, Pittsburgh will need all of their pass-catching play-makers at their disposal if they wish to kick their offense into high-gear during their final six games. Thus, it is a relief to know that the foot injury sanders sustained on Sunday was not serious.

Stats & Contract Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com , Spotrac, and Pro Football Reference

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