Linebacker Vince Williams and nose tackle Tyson Alualu were missing from Steelers practice yesterday on the first day of workouts for Sunday’s Cleveland playoff game. Williams has a quad injury and Alualu an ankle sprain.
As expected, guard Matt Feiler and linebacker Robert Spilanne returned to the practice field. They are still on the injured reserve list but can return as early as Sunday if the Steelers activate them. The team has 21 days to make a decision.
Safety Terrell Edmunds was a full participant after missing last Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury. Cornerback Steven Nelson was a limited participant with a knee injury and kicker Chris Boswell was limited to protect his groin injury.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw more than usual for a Wednesday after sitting out last Sunday. In his weekly media conference, Big Ben talked about the Steelers use of the short passing game, and about how teams have adjusted to it and opened up options deeper down the field.
Defensive end Cam Heyward also took questions yesterday, and said the defense is going to be challenged by Browns’ running back Nick Chubb.
With starting cornerback Joe Haden sidelined by Covid-19 this weekend, the Steelers yesterday signed veteran cornerback Trevor Williams to the practice squad. The former Penn State star has been in the NFL since 2016 with the Chargers, Cardinals and Eagles. He was released by Philadelphia after a rib injury landed him on injured reserve two games into this season.
The Browns still have nine players and five coaches on their covid-19 list. Some of the players will be back Sunday, but head coach Kevin Stefanski and Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio will not.
IUP fans may have a rooting interest in this weekend’s NFL games, even beyond the Steelers. IUP Athletics yesterday highlighted eight former Crimson Hawks whose NFL teams are in the playoffs. They include the Steelers’ pro scouting coordinator Brandon Hunt, Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni and area scout Chad Henry, Titans linebackers coach Jim Haslett, Ravens area scout Kevin Weidl, Packers quarterbacks coach Luke Getsy, Washington receivers coach Jim Hostler, and Buccaneers strength & conditioning coach Anthony Piroli.
Those IUP football alums combined to bring IUP 16 of 18 PSAC championships, 15 of its 19 NCAA playoff berths, five of its seven national semifinal appearances, and both Division II title game showings.
Luke Getsy – Green Bay Packers, quarterbacks coach
>> IUP offensive coordinator, 2011-13
>> Won PSAC championship in 2012; 12-2 record
Chad Henry – Indianapolis Colts, area scout
>> IUP student assistant coach, 1994-95
>> Helped IUP to PSAC title, national semifinalist finish in 1994
Brandon Hunt – Pittsburgh Steelers, pro scouting coordinator
>> IUP offensive lineman, 2000-03
>> First team All-PSAC selection in 2003
>> Helped IUP to four PSAC titles, three NCAA playoff berths
Jim Hostler – Washington Football Team, wide receivers coach
>> IUP defensive back and assistant coach, 1986-99
>> Two-time All-PSAC defensive back (’87, ’89)
>> Part of 10 NCAA playoff teams, eight PSAC title teams, two national title game appearances
Jim Haslett – Tennessee Titans, linebackers coach
>> IUP linebacker/defensive end/punter, 1975-78
>> Three-time All-American, 20 sacks in 1976
>> Drafted in 2nd round of 1979 NFL Draft by Buffalo Bills
Anthony Piroli – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head strength & conditioning coach
>> IUP graduate assistant, 2007
>> Helped IUP to NCAA playoffs in only season
Nick Sirianni – Indianapolis Colts, offensive coordinator
>> IUP receivers coach, 2006-08
>> Won PSAC title in 2006
Kevin Weidl – Baltimore Ravens, area scout
>> IUP quarterback, 2002-06
>> Two-time All-PSAC selection (’03-04)
>> 5,594 passing yards, 46 passing touchdowns
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