The Steelers will go into Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs with an injury report that still has several starter's status in doubt.
Both Joe Haden (hamstring) and David DeCastro (hand) are listed as doubtful after missing practice for the third straight day. Tyson Alualu (shoulder) is also doubtful, working in a limited basis only in practice on Friday.
Ben Roethlisberger, who missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, was a full participant on Friday. Roethlisberger is listed as questionable for Sunday, but his teammates think that he will play.
If Roethlisberger can't go on Sunday, Joshua Dobbs would be called upon to play his first NFL game.
"At the end of the day it's still football," said Dobbs. "Obviously, you're in the NFL at a different level. But I've been here for a year, a year and a half. I kind of have the lay of the land. I've been seeing a lot of looks in practice and in (preseason) games.
"I wouldn't say there's a challenge. It's just excitement with the opportunity that's in front of you to go out and make the most of it."
If DeCastro can't go it will be B.J. Finney who is called upon to play right guard. Finney started last year against the Chiefs at left guard when Ramon Foster was injured and helped the ground game amass 194 yards, while protecting Roethlisberger who threw for 252 yards with just one sack.
"It's just another game," said Finney. "The preparation doesn't change. I have to prepare like I am that guy. I am the next guy in. Injuries unfortunately are part of the game and this is an unfortunate, random injury. For preparation for me, it's just another game."
Finney took plenty of first team reps in practice this week with DeCastro missing time, and it should pay off.
"That is always a huge help," said Finney. "I am getting first-hand reps of what we think we will be seeing, what we think their defense will be running. You can always sit back and take mental reps like I have been, but it's always much more helpful when you are getting the reps. Just to have that fluidity between guys helps."
Vance McDonald, who missed last week's game against the Browns with a foot injury, was once again a full participant and is listed as questionable. The same goes for Cameron Heyward, who missed practice on Wednesday with a knee injury but was a full go on Thursday and Friday as is also questionable. Artie Burns was added to the injury report on Friday with a toe injury and is questionable.
Last week against the Browns Cameron Sutton stepped in when Haden left the game with a hamstring injury. If Haden isn't able to go, Sutton is among those who could start, and his teammates feel good about what he brings to the defense.
"Cam came out there last week and they tested him, that's what the NFL does," said Sean Davis. "He lost his first battle but came back and won the second one. That is expected of him. That standard is the standard. I am confident in Cam Sutton.
"Cam has a real good skillset. I am glad he was able to show that as a rookie. He has continually been getting better. I feel like collectively as a group we are on the rise. He has prepared himself in the offseason for moments like this. He deserves to be out there."
Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 2
Game Status
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Rt. Elbow) - Questionable
CB Joe Haden (Hamstring) - Doubtful
CB Artie Burns (Toe) - Questionable
G David DeCastro (Hand) - Doubtful
TE Vance McDonald (Foot) - Questionable
DE Tyson Alualu (Shoulder) - Doubtful
DE Cameron Heyward (Knee) - Questionable
Friday, 9/14
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Rt. Elbow) - Full
CB Joe Haden (Hamstring) - DNP
CB Artie Burns (Toe) - Limited
G David DeCastro (Hand) - DNP
TE Vance McDonald (Foot) - Full
DE Tyson Alualu (Shoulder) - Limited
DE Cameron Heyward (Knee) - Full
Thursday, 9/13
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Rt. Elbow) - DNP
CB Joe Haden (Hamstring) - DNP
G David DeCastro (Hand) - DNP
TE Vance McDonald (Foot) - Full
DE Tyson Alualu (Shoulder) - Limited
DE Cameron Heyward (Knee) - Full
Wednesday, 9/12
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Rt. Elbow) - DNP
CB Joe Haden (Hamstring) - DNP
G David DeCastro (Hand) - DNP
TE Vance McDonald (Foot) - Full
DE Tyson Alualu (Shoulder) - DNP
DE Cameron Heyward (Knee) - DNP
Kansas City Chiefs Participation/Injury Report, Week 2
Game Status
S Eric Berry (Heel) - Doubtful
LB Ben Niemann (Hamstring) - Out
Friday, 9/14
S Eric Berry (Heel) - DNP
LB Ben Niemann (Hamstring) - DNP
CB Kendall Fuller (Thumb) - Full
DT Justin Hamilton (Ankle) - Full
LB Reggie Ragland (Knee) - Full
RB Darrel Williams (Shoulder) - Full
OL Kahlil McKenzie (Illness) - Full
Thursday, 9/13
S Eric Berry (Heel) - DNP
LB Ben Niemann (Hamstring) - DNP
CB Kendall Fuller (Thumb) - Full
DT Justin Hamilton (Ankle) - Full
LB Reggie Ragland (Knee) - Full
RB Darrel Williams (Shoulder) - Full
OL Kahlil McKenzie (Illness) - Limited
Wednesday, 9/12
S Eric Berry (Heel) - DNP
LB Ben Niemann (Hamstring) - DNP
CB Kendall Fuller (Thumb) - Full
DT Justin Hamilton (Ankle) - Full
LB Reggie Ragland (Knee) - Full
RB Darrel Williams (Shoulder) - Full
