A week ago when Mike Tomlin read the Steelers injury report it seemed there were more names on it than off. But one week and a victory later, the injury outlook is getting brighter.
Linebacker James Harrison continues to be sidelined after undergoing surgery for a broken right orbital bone, an injury that could keep him out for a month. Tomlin plans on keeping Lawrence Timmons at outside linebacker this week, with Larry Foote starting inside.
Also expected to miss the Jaguars game is defensive end Aaron Smith who suffered a right foot sprain against the Texans two weeks ago.
Other players are slowly nursing their way back to health, though.
"Mewelde Moore continues to work his way back with his left high ankle sprain," said Tomlin. "The best way to categorize him at this point is questionable. We'll see how the week progresses. Jason Worilds continues to come back from his quad. I think we can categorize him as questionable for the week. Marcus Gilbert, same thing with his left shoulder. Casey Hampton, same thing with his right shoulder. Chris Kemoeatu with his left knee, his availability will be dictated by his ability to practice during the course of the week."
Center Maurkice Pouncey suffered a right knee contusion against the Titans, and after leaving the game was able to return. Tomlin expects him to be limited early in the week practicing, but the injury shouldn't keep him from playing on Sunday.
"Some of the other guys are working their way back in," said Tomlin. "Cortez Allen we expect him to work his way back in, Rashard Mendenhall will continue to progress as will Ben Roethlisberger with his left foot.
"We're moving in a positive direction with some of those things, Marcus Gilbert being the new one. If he is unable to participate we'll swing Jonathan Scott over to right tackle like we did in game last Sunday."
