The Steelers could be without inside linebacker Devin Bush and cornerback Joe Haden when they host the Raiders at Heinz Field on Sunday for their home opener.
Bush and Haden were added to the team's injury report Friday with groin injuries that leave them questionable for Sunday's game.
Bush, who missed the final 11 games of the 2020 season with a torn ACL, returned for the Steelers last week in the win over the Bills and led the team with 10 tackles. He also forced a fumble, playing 73 of 85 defensive snaps while serving as the defensive play caller.
If Bush misses the game against the Raiders, recently acquired Joe Schobert would take over the defensive play calling duties and would likely never leave the field. Schobert played 66 snaps against the Bills, recording six tackles. Robert Spillane, who missed last week's game with a shin injury suffered during warmups, also could see increased action.
"I thought he played well," outside linebacker T.J. Watt said of Schobert, who was his teammate at Wisconsin. "I'm excited to have Joe here. He's a very talented player and a smart player, too. I think he's going to do a lot of great things for us."
Compounding issues for the Steelers is the fact the Raiders feature tight end Darren Waller in their passing game. Waller had his fourth consecutive 100-yard game in last Monday night's upset win over the Ravens, drawing 19 targets and catching 10 passes in the game.
The Steelers have better depth at cornerback after acquiring Ahkello Witherspoon two weeks ago via a trade with the Seahawks. He was inactive for Week 1, but would likely be active this week.
But James Pierre and Justin Layne also could be called upon to fill the void opposite starter Cam Sutton if Haden is unable to play.
The Steelers did get tight end Eric Ebron back at practice Friday, but lost blocking tight end Zach Gentry to an ankle injury that now makes him questionable to play against the Raiders. The team could elevate Kevin Rader off the practice squad if Gentry is unable to play, though rookie Pat Freiermuth could see more snaps, as well.
Despite all of that, the Steelers' injury report looks better than that of the Raiders.
Las Vegas will be without starting running back Josh Jacobs (toe/ankle), guard Richie Incognito (calf), inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (concussion), backup quarterback Marcus Mariota (quad) and safety Roderic Teamer (ankle). Defensive ends Carl Nassib (pectoral/toe) and Yannick Ngakoue (hamstring) and defensive tackle Darius Philon (knee) are all questionable.
