The Steelers wrapped up preparation for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field, and they will go into the game without two key pieces to their offensive line.
Guards David DeCastro (knee) and Stefen Wisniewski (chest) missed practice for the third straight day and have been ruled out. DeCastro has been battling his injury since training camp, while Wisniewski was injured in Monday night's game against the Giants.
With the two out for the game, rookie Kevin Dotson will be called upon at right guard.
"There's always going to be a little angst there, but again, this is professional football. These guys are professional about their work," said offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner. "I may have a little more gray hair thinking about it, but in no way that we put anybody that's a part of our roster that I won't get a good night sleep because I trust them.
"He's naturally really strong. I don't know how better to say it. He is just a naturally strong, tough-minded guy. The natural thing for him to do is get physical with somebody. Now, match the technique and fundamentals of a young player that makes his job so important and allows you to really achieve better and great successes at your position. Those are going to have to come with time. He is working hard, and he has been available. I'm excited for him to get his opportunity."
Earlier this week the team placed Zach Banner on the reserve/injured list, just one game into the season after he won the starting right tackle spot. That will have Chuks Okorafor stepping up at right tackle, and the team also signed Jerald Hawkins.
"I'm saddened for the injury. It was tough, and it was tough for Zach because I just know how hard he worked," said Fichtner. "But that was really a competitive competition that went down to the end, and whoever we play we respect and know that he will do a great job for us. Chuks has played in this game before."
Running back James Conner was a full participant again on Friday, after missing Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury he suffered against the Giants on Monday night.
"I keep on getting treatment on it, feeling it out," said Conner. "But it's definitely trending in the right direction.
"(The injury) was frustrating, I wanted to be out there. We won the game, that is the most important thing. I am not naïve. I know stuff happens. I am trying to do everything I can to stay healthy. I am going to stay in my lane and leave it in God's hands and everything is going to be all right."
The full injury and status report are below.
Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 2
Game Status
G Stefen Wisniewski (Chest) - Out
G David Decastro (Knee) - Out
Friday, September 18
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach's Decision) - Full
WR Diontae Johnson (Toe) - Full
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (Knee) - Full
RB James Conner (Ankle) - Full
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach's Decision) - Full
G Stefen Wisniewski (Chest) - DNP
G David Decastro (Knee) - DNP
T Alejandro Villanueva (Illness) - Full
DE Stephon Tuitt (Achilles) - Full
Thursday, September 17
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach's Decision) - Full
WR Diontae Johnson (Toe) - Full
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (Knee) - Full
RB James Conner (Ankle) - Full
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach's Decision) - Full
G Stefen Wisniewski (Chest) - DNP
G David Decastro (Knee) - DNP
T Alejandro Villanueva (Illness) - Full
DE Stephon Tuitt (Achilles) - Full
Wednesday, September 16
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach's Decision) - DNP
WR Diontae Johnson (Toe) - DNP
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (Knee) - DNP
RB James Conner (Ankle) - DNP
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach's Decision) - DNP
G Stefen Wisniewski (Chest) - DNP
G David Decastro (Knee) - DNP
T Zach Banner (Knee) - DNP
T Alejandro Villanueva (Illness) - DNP
DE Stephon Tuitt (Achilles) - DNP
Denver Broncos Participation/Injury Report, Week 2
Game Status
ILB Mark Barron (Hamstring) - Out
RB Phillip Lindsay (Toe) - Out
T Garrett Bolles (Elbow) - Questionable
WR Tyrie Cleveland (Hip) - Questionable
WR Courtland Sutton (Shoulder) - Questionable
Friday, September 18
ILB Mark Barron (Hamstring) - DNP
CB A.J. Bouye (Shoulder) - IR
S Kareem Jackson (NIR) - Full
RB Phillip Lindsay (Toe) - DNP
T Garrett Bolles (Elbow) - Limited
WR Tyrie Cleveland (Hip) - Limited
S Trey Marshall (Wrist) - Full
WR Courtland Sutton (Shoulder) - Limited
OLB Bradley Chubb (Knee) - Full
WR KJ Hamler (Hamstring) - Full
TE Albert Okwuegbunam (Hip) - Full
TE Jake Butt (Hand) - Full
Thursday, September 17
ILB Mark Barron (Hamstring) - DNP
CB A.J. Bouye (Shoulder) - IR
S Kareem Jackson (NIR) - Full
RB Phillip Lindsay (Toe) - DNP
T Garrett Bolles (Elbow) - Limited
WR Tyrie Cleveland (Hip) - Limited
S Trey Marshall (Wrist) - Full
WR Courtland Sutton (Shoulder) - Limited
OLB Bradley Chubb (Knee) - Full
WR KJ Hamler (Hamstring) - Full
TE Albert Okwuegbunam (Hip) - Full
Wednesday, September 16
ILB Mark Barron (Hamstring) - DNP
CB A.J. Bouye (Shoulder) - DNP
S Kareem Jackson (NIR) - DNP
RB Phillip Lindsay (Toe) - DNP
T Garrett Bolles (Elbow) - Limited
WR Tyrie Cleveland (Hip) - Limited
S Trey Marshall (Wrist) - Limited
WR Courtland Sutton (Shoulder) - Limited
OLB Bradley Chubb (Knee) - Full
WR KJ Hamler (Hamstring) - Full
TE Albert Okwuegbunam (Hip) - Full
