When the Steelers' initial injury report came out Wednesday for their upcoming home opener against the Broncos, it caused some waves among their fan base.
Nine Steelers starters did not practice on Wednesday following the team's 26-16 season-opening win over the Giants last Monday night. And a 10th, guard Stefen Wisniewski, was replacing an injured starter in guard David DeCastro.
As it turns out, the angst was somewhat unnecessary.
Wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) and Diontae Johnson (toe), running back James Conner (ankle), left tackle Alejandro Villanueva (illness), center Maurkice Pouncey (coach's decision), quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (coach's decision) and defensive end Stephon Tuitt (Achilles' tendon) all were back at practice on Thursday as the Steelers (1-0) continued to prepare for the Broncos (0-1).
DeCastro was still not practicing as he continues to work his way back from a knee issue that kept him out of the regular season opener. Wisniewski, who left the win over the Giants with a pectoral muscle injury, did not practice Thursday.
If DeCastro and Winsiewski are unable to play, rookie Kevin Dotson would make his first career start against the Broncos. Offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said he trusts the fourth-round draft pick, but also admitted starting a rookie brings with it some issues.
"There's always going to be a little angst there," Fichtner said because of Dotson's inexperience.
"He's naturally really strong. I don't know how better to say it. It was all over his video. The natural thing for him to do was to get physical with somebody. ... He's working hard. He's been available. I'm excited to see him have his opportunity."
Dotson replaced Wisniewski in the fourth quarter of the win over the Giants and played six offensive snaps.
The rookie out of Louisiana was the first player selected in this year's draft who was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. But he was voted All-America in his senior season and is considered a strong run blocker. Dotson missed more than a week of training camp with a knee injury, but the Steelers have been pleased with his progress.
"He’s a young guy who hasn’t had a lot of work throughout this process because of injury and lack of availability," Mike Tomlin said. "There is some angst there, so if he is called upon this week, it is going to take a tremendous effort by him and by us. And by us, I mean us putting him in the very best position to perform, so there is some dual responsibility there."
The Steelers did, however, get offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins, signed off the practice squad of the Texans, did make his first appearance with the team. He was signed Wednesday to replace right tackle Zach Banner, who was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Chuks Okorafor will start at right tackle. Okorafor, a 2018 third-round draft pick, lost a training camp battle with Banner for the right tackle position. But, he's started four career games, including one against the Broncos as a rookie in 2018 in Denver.
"Chuks has played in this game before against this team," Fichtner noted.
It seems like most everyone will be available except for the two guards. And the Steelers should be capable of protecting Dotson a little bit more on the interior than they would if he were stepping in at tackle.
As for Okorafor, he should be fine. Von Miller is out for the Broncos, making life quite a bit easier.
The line won't be perfect. But it should be adequate and is still equal to or better than the one with which the Broncos will line up.
It also appears Conner could be in line to return, which means he also would start. But Benny Snell earned himself some additional playing time with his play Monday night against the Giants.