Steelers offensive lineman suffers injury, will not return vs. Chargers

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard JC Hassenauer has been ruled out of Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury, per Steelers PR director Burt Lauten. The offensive line is already missing starter Kevin Dotson, and will not rely on converted tackle Joe Haeg at left guard for the remainder of the game.

Hassenauer is listed as a center on the Steelers roster and depth chart but filled in for Dotson with Kendrick Green at center and Trai Turner at right guard. Left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor round out the starting lineup.

The offense has struggled throughout the first half to create space and gain yards. The Steelers finished the first half with 174 total yards, including 121 passing yards and 53 rushing yards.

The Steelers are also without defensive starters TJ Watt, Joe Haden and Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Steelers make roster move

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their final roster moves ahead of a Sunday night matchup with the Chargers. The great news: quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is back. However, several other stars are set to miss action.

The veteran missed Week 10 because of COVID-19 protocols but has been activated for Sunday. That means Mason Rudolph, who started in his place against the Lions to the tune of 242 yards and a touchdown, will revert to a backup role.

Pittsburgh also placed offensive lineman Kevin Dotson on Injured Reserve. The Steelers starting left guard injured his ankle this past week and will be out at least three more. JC Hassenauer, who is typically a backup center/guard, started in Dotson’s place before suffering a shoulder injury. Now Joe Haeg, normally listed as backup left tackle, is in at guard for the Steelers.

In its last roster move prior to the game against the Chargers, the Steelers also activated safety Karl Joseph. He has appeared in only one game this season. A former first-round pick, Joseph has accumulated 303 tackles (11 for loss), five interceptions, five fumble recoveries and 19 passes defended throughout 64 career games.

His addition to the active roster will provide much-needed depth to a Steelers secondary already dealing with a pair of crucial injuries. All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (COVID-19 protocols) and cornerback Joe Haden (foot) will not play Sunday.

Pittsburgh struggled without Roethlisberger in Week 10, tying a Detroit team that entered the week without a win. The defense was porous, giving up 229 yards on the ground.