The Steelers will be without starting left guard Ramon Foster when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs today at Arrowhead Stadium.
Foster missed practice all week with a back injury and is inactive for the game.
With Foster out, B.J. Finney is expected to play left guard. Finney got reps during the week at practice in Foster's absence, making it easier for him to step in and play.
"That is the great thing about having a lot of reps, you are comfortable, and you know the techniques of the guys around you instead of just being thrown into it," said Finney. "My mind frame is always be ready, always be prepared, and when they need me, they need me. I need to be ready to answer the call. I take care of my business, stay in my lane, don't think about anything else and keep my preparation the same."
The story this week isn't just about who is inactive, but rather who is active for the Steelers.
After being on the inactive list the last two weeks, both William Gay and Eli Rogers are active for today's game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
Harrison was inactive for the Ravens game while battling an illness, but was also inactive last week against the Jaguars. On Thursday defensive coordinator Keith Butler hinted at the fact that Harrison would be back on the field this week.
"It's always good to have James Harrison when you're playing Kansas City and let the offensive tackle see him," said Butler. "I'll just say that. See him on the sideline or in uniform. I'll let it at that. You can imagine what might happen."
Harrison has seen limited action in the three games he has been active for this season. He played only four defensive snaps against the Browns in Week 1, was active the following week against Vikings but didn't play, and played three defensive snaps against the Bears in Week 3.
"I'm wearing a uniform I guess this week," said Harrison. "I won't be out of uniform. I am just doing what I am asked."
Rogers was also sidelined for the Ravens and Jaguars games after fumbling a punt return against the Chicago Bears.
"Like I said when we deactivated him, it wasn't a death sentence," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "It was an opportunity to re-center and get squared away from a technical standpoint, particularly from a fielding a punt standpoint, which is one of the core jobs he possesses. He will be given an opportunity to prove that and wide receiver play this week and we'll see where it leads us."
Apparently Rogers had a good week, leading him back to having a helmet on game day.
"He is an inside slot guy that knows how to get open in man really quick," said Ben Roethlisberger. "A guy that takes pride in his work, doesn't make a lot of mistakes. If he does, he grows from it. I am excited for him to get the opportunity again."
With Harrison active, fellow linebacker Arthur Moats is inactive. In addition, with Rogers active, receiver Justin Hunter is inactive.
Also inactive are quarterback Joshua Dobbs, offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins, tight end Xavier Grimble and defensive tackle Vince Williams.
Here are the players who will be inactive when the Steelers take on the Chiefs.
Steelers Inactives
No. 5 QB Joshua Dobbs
No. 11 WR Justin Hunter
No. 55 LB Arthur Moats
No. 65 OT Jerald Hawkins
No. 73 G Ramon Foster
No. 85 TE Xavier Grimble
No. 93 DT Daniel McCullers
Chiefs Inactives
No. 9 QB Tyler Bray
No. 12 WR Albert Wilson
No. 30 S Steven Terrell
No. 53 Ramik Wilson
No. 61 C Mitch Morse
No. 76 G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
No. 94 DT Jarvis Jenkins
