Pittsburgh Steelers place linebacker on COVID-19 List

The Steelers defense is taking another hit. Pittsburgh placed linebacker Robert Spillane on the Reserve/COVID-19 List on Thursday.

“The Steelers placed linebacker Robert Spillane on the Reserve/COVID-19 List on Thursday. Spillane has played in 10 games this season, starting one. He has a total of 17 tackles, including one for a loss,” announced the Steelers on the team website. “Spillane is the third player the team placed on the list this week. Offensive lineman Joe Haeg was placed on the list on Wednesday and linebacker T.J. Watt was placed on the list on Monday.”

Moreover, Spillane suffered a knee injury in the Steelers loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. As if it wasn’t already going to be difficult enough for the linebacker to play, this all but confirms his absence for Sunday’s game.

After playing college football for Western Michigan, Spillane was undrafted in 2018. The Tennessee Titans gave him a chance, and he played one season in Tennessee before signing with the Steelers in 2019. Thus far in 2021, Spillane has recorded 15 tackles.

The Steelers defense needs to bounce back in the worst way this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Robert Spillane won’t be there to help their cause.

Steelers vs. Ravens: Wednesday’s Injury Report

Did Not Practice – Steelers: QB Ben Roethlisberger(Pec/Shoulder), CB Joe Haden(Foot), LB Robert Spillane(Knee), OL Trai Turner(Coach’s Decision), OL Zach Banner(Illness)

Roethlisberger continues to miss practice time with his injuries, although the Steelers continue to expect him to be available by game day.

Joe Haden still is eyeing a possible return this week after missing the last two games, but missed Wednesday’s practice with his knee injury.

Spillane was also absent from practice on Wednesday after suffering a knee sprain against the Bengals, as well as Turner and Banner. All three are attempting to be ready by game day, but will be worth watching as the week progresses.

Limited Participation – Steelers: WR Chase Claypool(Toe)

The toe injury Claypool suffered this year was initially something the Steelers were afraid could end his season, but he continues to recover while limited in practice.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said when Claypool first returned to practice weeks ago that they were excited to see how much progress he would be able to make. The Steelers are already down star receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for the season, so Claypool’s presence is extremely important.

Full Participation – Steelers: LS Christian Kuntz(Hip), TE Pat Freiermuth(Concussion)

Long snapper Christian Kuntz and rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth both were full participants in practice. Freiermuth has been a huge factor in the Steelers offense this season, taking more of the load off of Eric Ebron.