Health issues still slowing running game
The Steelers were able to squeak past the Indianapolis Colts with a thin running back corps, and they could be in a similar situation Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
The only running back with a clean bill of health entering the week is Jaylen Samuels. All others on the roster are out or dealing with an injury that makes them questionable in the early stages of the week.
Starter James Conner, who missed the Colts game with a shoulder injury, is expected to be limited in practice in the early stages of the week.
“We’ll let his participation be our guide in terms of his availability,” coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday at his news conference. “We expect him to perk up as the week evolves and then make decisions accordingly.”
Trey Edmunds, who led the Steelers with 73 rushing yards, injured his ribs, and fullback Roosevelt Nix aggravated a knee injury. Both will be limited early in the week, as well.
“I’m optimistic about all of those guys being available, but won’t make any bold predictions,” Tomlin said. “We’ll see where the week leads us.”
Benny Snell, who missed the Colts game with a knee injury, has already been declared out for the Rams game.
Starting left guard Ramon Foster could return after missing the Colts game with a concussion. Foster is scheduled to practice Wednesday, although Tomlin said he is still “technically” in concussion protocol.
The Steelers can use all the help they can get up front and in the backfield. Tomlin opened his news conference by bemoaning the struggles in the running game. The spate of injuries at running back hasn’t helped, but Tomlin said the Steelers had some other issues against the Colts.
“We have to run the ball better on offense, particularly in the waning moments of the game,” he said. “We weren’t able to maintain possession of the ball. I thought they won the line of scrimmage. We have to be better in those areas. We also have to be better at stopping the run. I thought Indy largely was able to do the things they wanted to do in regards to the run controlling the game in a lot of ways.
“With our current makeup and the things we’re trying to get done on both sides of the ball, winning the line of scrimmage is significant. To be able to win a game where that didn’t occur is frustrating but also encouraging. We stayed in the fight. We made the necessary stops to do the things we needed to do to secure the victory.”
Gilbert to IR
The Steelers placed rookie linebacker Ulysees Gilbert on injured reserve and promoted Robert Spillane to the 53-man roster Tuesday. Gilbert had been a contributor on special teams before a back injury forced him to miss the Colts game.
Scouting the Rams
The Steelers have their work cut out in defending the Rams, who are eighth in the league in scoring and 10th in total offense. Jared Goff has a number of weapons, including running back Todd Gurley and receiver Cooper Kupp, who is coming off a game against the Bengals when he had seven catches for 220 yards.
The good news for the Steelers is they’ve recently played a team that’s similar to the Rams. Sean McVay and Kyle
Shanahan coached together in Washington earlier this decade and hold many of the same offensive philosophies.
“It’s not unlike what Kyle does in San [Francisco] to be honest with you,” Tomlin said. “They’ve spent some time together. You see the strong similarities. Oftentimes that can be said about division play. Divisions can have personalities. It’s very similar to some of the things we saw, probably not as much pocket movement, but similar.”
The 49ers gained 436 yards and scored 24 points Sept. 22 against the Steelers. The Steelers forced five turnovers in that game.