The Steelers defense will be missing a few key players tonight when they take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football.
Cornerback Joe Haden is inactive after suffering a concussion last week against the Washington Football Team. In addition, linebacker Vince Williams is on the Reserve/COVID-19 List and fellow inside linebacker Robert Spillane was placed on the Reserve/Injured List after suffering a knee injury against Washington.
The Steelers will rely on Avery Williamson, who was acquired via a trade from the New York Jets earlier this season, and Marcus Allen, who was converted from a safety to a linebacker this year, to step up at inside linebacker. In addition, the team activated linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III to the 53-man roster from the Reserve/Injured List and elevated linebacker Tegray Scales to the Active/Inactive roster from the practice squad.
"I feel a whole lot better with where I am," said Williamson. "I thought I was ready the first week I got here, but I was nowhere near ready. It took me a little time. I have never been in a situation where I got traded and had to learn a new playbook in the middle of the season. It's definitely difficult. Thankfully the playbook isn't too crazy. That helps out a lot. The coaches are helping me as much as possible. I feel a lot more comfortable."
Also inactive are quarterback Joshua Dobbs, running back Anthony McFarland, tackle Derwin Gray, tight end Kevin Rader, defensive end Isaiah Buggs.
The full list of inactives is below.
Steelers Inactives
No. 5 QB Josh Dobbs
No. 23 CB Joe Haden
No. 26 RB Anthony McFarland
No. 77 OT Derwin Gray
No. 87 TE Kevin Rader
No. 96 DE Isaiah Buggs
Bills Inactives
No. 10 QB Jake Fromm
No. 22 RB T.J. Yeldon
No. 46 S Jaquan Johnson
No. 81 TE Tyler Kroft
No. 93 DE Trent Murphy
