The Pittsburgh Steelers are battling more than just the standard bumps and bruises that are common at this point in the season. They’re dealing with a brutal bout of the flu as they prepare to face the New England Patriots.
“Tight end Ladarius Green missed practice Thursday with an illness, and wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey was one of four players to sit out Wednesday,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. “Wide receiver Cobi Hamilton said up to 15 people in the Steelers facility have suffered a setback this week.”
Every little advantage matters at this point in the season and the Patriots health will play a major factor in Sunday’s game. Practice is important for timing and game planning, especially after the Steelers struggled on offense against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round.
Player availability will be better understood after Friday’s injury report is released this afternoon.