The Steelers head into tonight's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium without two key components to their offensive line, as guard David DeCastro and tackle Marcus Gilbert are both inactive for the primetime matchup.
DeCastro suffered a hand injury in the season opener against the Browns and is inactive for the second straight week. Gilbert, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Chiefs, didn't practice on Thursday and Friday, and was limited on Saturday, but wasn't cleared to play tonight.
With DeCastro and Gilbert out, it will be B.J. Finney and Matt Feiler who will be called upon to hold down the right side of the line. The two got plenty of work together in practice during the week, which will be beneficial tonight.
"For both of us to be able to work together is huge," said Finney. "To have that mentality, next guy up, we have to work together. We have to know what we are doing, communication is a big part of it. We have spent a lot of time next to each other, so this is just another day."
Finney will be making his second consecutive start at right guard, while Feiler will be making his first start at tackle in the NFL. He started at guard last year in the season finale against Cleveland, and only played tackle late in the game against the Lions last season. He did play tackle in college and said he will be ready to go.
"It's just something you have to be ready for at all times," said Feiler. "If they call my number, they call my number. I have to be ready to play.
"You have to prepare the best you can and practice like you are playing. I keep working the craft. I feel pretty comfortable. I have been getting reps all week. It's like riding a bike almost. I played tackle in college and I have played mostly and mainly guard, but it's something I can always do."
Also inactive is starting safety Morgan Burnett, who missed time in practice during the week with a groin injury.
Here is a complete list of the inactives for today's game:
Steelers Inactives
No. 2 QB Mason Rudolph
No. 11 WR Justin Hunter
No. 27 S Marcus Allen
No. 42 S Morgan Burnett
No. 66 G David DeCastro
No. 77 OT Marcus Gilbert
No. 96 DE L.T. Walton
Buccaneers Inactives
No. 17 WR Justin Watson
No. 22 CB Marcus Williams
No. 27 RB Ronald Jones
No. 50 DT Vita Vea
No. 65 OG Alex Cappa
No. 67 OG Michael Liedtke
No. 91 DT Beau Allen
