Description: Pittsburgh's decision to draft Michigan State running back Le'Veon Bell has made Jonathan Dwyer expendable. SOURCE: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network
Insight: The draft is winding to a close, so it looks like Dwyer will stay put for now. Don't be surprised if the Steelers trade him before the season starts.
Description: Halfback LaRod Stephens-Howling has agreed to a one-year deal with Pittsburgh according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
Insight: Stephens-Howling has never rushed for more than 356 yards in a single season. The Steelers could use him as a kick returner but that won't improve his fantasy prospects.
Description: The Steelers have decided to match the one-year, $2.5 million offer sheet the Patriots gave restricted free agent Emmanuel Sanders. SOURCE: USA Today
Insight: Ben Roethlisberger was campaigning for the Steelers to bring Sanders back, and the team did just that rather than accept the Patriots' third-round pick as compensation. With Mike Wallace signing with the Dolphins, Sanders will have more fantasy value with the Steelers than he would have had with New England.
Description: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is campaigning for the Steelers to re-sign Emmanuel Sanders. The wide receiver recently agreed to a one-year offer sheet from the Patriots. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: The Steelers have two options: make Big Ben happy by keeping Sanders for $2.5 million or letting him go to New England and accepting a third round draft pick. They'll have until the end of Sunday night to match the Patriots' offer.
Description: After weeks of speculation, the Patriots have officially signed wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders to an offer sheet.
Insight: The deal is worth $2.5 million for one season. Jason Cole from Yahoo Sports says that if Pittsburgh declines to match New England's offer, the Patriots will likely sign Sanders to a long-term contract. Sanders caught 44 passes for 626 yards as Ben Roethlisberger's No. 3 option last year in the Steel City.
Description: There have been conflicting reports about whether or not Pittsburgh wideout Emmanuel Sanders has signed an offer sheet with the Patriots.
Insight: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Sanders had indeed agreed to an offer sheet while the Washington Observer-Reporter is now saying that the Patriots have yet to make an official offer. Sanders is only a restricted free agent so if New England does sign Sanders to an offer sheet, the Steelers will have an opportunity to match it.
Description: Mike Wallace to the Dolphins is essentially "a done deal" according to the Palm Beach Post.
Insight: And just like that, the league's biggest free agent wide receiver is off the market. Wallace had an up and down season for Pittsburgh in 2012 (836 yards and eight touchdowns) but we're confident he'll bounce back next season in South Beach. Free agency doesn't officially begin until midnight so we probably won't know any details about Wallace's new contract until later in the week.
Description: The Denver Post reports that the Broncos are interested in signing former Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall.
Insight: Mendenhall wore out his welcome in Pittsburgh last season and was eventually phased out of the team's running back rotation. At age 25, he still has plenty left to offer. If Mendenhall went to Denver he'd have to split carries with Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno and Ronnie Hillman.
Description: The Steelers have cut ties with linebacker James Harrison.
Insight: Pittsburgh wanted Harrison (70 tackles, six sacks in 2012) to take a pay cut but he wasn't having any of that. Harrison has already listed the Browns, Patriots, Ravens and Saints as teams that he'd consider playing for.
Description: Similar to what Tom Brady did for the Patriots earlier this week, Ben Roethlisberger freed up cap room for the Steelers by agreeing to restructure his contract.
Insight: Pittsburgh can use the extra money to re-sign free agent wideout Mike Wallace later this offseason. Roethlisberger racked up 26 touchdowns and 3,265 passing yards in 13 games in 2012.
Description: According to Steelers.com, Pittsburgh is unlikely to retain free agent running back Rashard Mendenhall this offseason.
Insight: Mendenhall struggled to stay on the field in 2012, missing 10 games because of ACL and Achilles injuries. Even when he was healthy, Mendenhall was only able to muster 3.6 yards per carry on 51 rushes. The Steelers will probably go with the backfield duo of Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman in 2013.
Description: Steelers rookie running back Chris Rainey was waived Thursday after he was arrested early Thursday morning in Gainesville, Fla. and charged with simple battery after allegedly slapping his girlfriend in the face. SOURCE: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Insight: Rainey has been in trouble with the law several times over the last few years. He was accused of a felony stalking charge in 2010 and cited for defiant trespass in December when he entered the Meadows Racetrack and Casino outside Washington, Pa. Rainey had signed himself onto a self-exclusion list to prevent himself from gambling. The rookie out of Florida led Pittsburgh with 1,035 kick return yards but had just 26 carries and 14 receptions as a reserve running back.
Description: He didn't throw for many yards, but Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's three touchdowns with zero turnovers Sunday against the Browns will do just fine for fantasy owners.
Insight: Roethlisberger's 26 passing touchdowns tied 2009-10 for the second-most in his career, but this season will mostly be remembered for the three weeks Big Ben missed due to injuries, causing Pittsburgh's offense to shut down.
Description: Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Wallace (hip, hamstring) has been placed on injured reserve. SOURCE: Bob Labriola, Steelers Digest
Insight: No surprise here. With Wallace already ruled out for Sunday's game against Cleveland, the team needed to make a move to clear up a roster spot.
Description: Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Wallace will miss Week 17 because of hip and hamstring injuries. SOURCE: Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Insight: With Pittsburgh out of the playoff hunt, there is little reason to start him in the meaningless Week 17 game. Wallace will be a free agent this offseason and may have played his last game with the Steelers.
Description: Pittsburgh tight end Heath Miller will have surgery to repair a torn ACL on Thursday.
Insight: Miller was just selected to his second Pro Bowl but obviously, he won't be able to play in it. Adrian Peterson's outstanding performance less than a year after ACL surgery should give fantasy owners hope for Miller in 2013.
Description: Former Patriots backup quarterback Brian Hoyer will start in Week 17 for the Cardinals replacing Ryan Lindley.
Insight: Hoyer, who has only thrown 62 passes in four NFL seasons, will be the Cardinals fourth starting quarterback this season (Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Lindley).
Description: Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Wallace is questionable for Week 17 against Cleveland with a strained hip.
Insight: With the Steelers out of the playoff hunt, there is little reason to start him in the meaningless Week 17 game. The injury to Ben Roethlisberger hurt Wallace's season totals (64-836-8), but owners should recognize that fact and continue to respect Wallace's fantasy value.
Description: Steelers tight end Heath Miller will miss Sunday's game against Cleveland with an anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injury that will require season-ending surgery.
Insight: Miller caught 71 balls for 816 yards and eight touchdowns this season, the latter two being career highs. He had moved up to become a productive starting fantasy tight end.
Description: Pittsburgh halfback Rashard Mendenhall will be back in action this week against Cincinnati. Mendenhall was suspended for last week's loss to Dallas.
Insight: He's currently behind Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman on the Steelers' running back depth chart so we wouldn't expect much from him in Week 16.
Description: Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor will miss this week's game with Cincinnati, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Bouchette is rarely wrong.
Insight: Pittsburgh is also worried about two other defensive backs, Keenan Lewis and Cortez Allen. With a beat up secondary A.J. Green could have a field day.
Description: The Steelers signed Justin King, who played for the Indianapolis Colts last season.
Insight: With Ike Taylor, Keenan Lewis and Cortez Allen all banged up and questionable for Sunday, the Pittsburgh secondary is extemely thin. King didn't play at a high level last season, but does bring experience to the table. Bengals start wideout A.J. Green facing this injured defensive backfield is a huge mismatch.
Description: Steelers tight end Heath Miller is averaging 79.5 yards over the last four games. He has 68 catches for 771 yards this season.
Insight: Miller caught seven passes for 92 yards and a touchdown Sunday against Dallas. He has eight touchdowns this season, a career high, and his career bests in catches (76) and yards (789) are in reach.
Description: Steelers receiver Emmanuel Sanders apparently sustained a cracked rib in Sunday's game against Dallas and is questioanble for Week 16.
Insight: With Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Jerricho Cotchery and Plaxico Burress on the roster, Sanders has been almost invisible to fantasy owners. He does have 41 catches for 585 yards, but with just one score this season.
Description: Pittsburgh running back Rashard Mendenhall has been suspended for one game for "conduct detrimental to the team." SOURCE: ProFootballTalk
Insight: Mendenhall did not show up at Heinz Field after the team told him he would not dress versus San Diego, his second straight healthy scratch, a source told Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Jonathan Dwyer is locked into the lead role in Pittsburgh's backfield.
Description: Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor will miss this week's game with Dallas. He's dealing with an ankle injury. Though out of the walking boot, his goal is to get back for Week 16.
Insight: Pittsburgh is also worried about two other defensive backs, Keenan Lewis and Cortez Allen. With a beat up secondary, Dallas' receiving corps may be able to take advantage, particularly if Dez Bryant plays as he says he will.
Description: Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer only ran the ball eight times for 32 yards Sunday versus San Diego, but coach Mike Tomlin said he would not be making any chancges at running back, meaning Dwyer is still the starter.
Insight: The Steelers fell behind 27-3 and had to abandon the running game. Dwyer is Pittsburgh's clear-cut No. 1 running back at the moment (Isaac Redman had two carries and Rashard Mendenhall was a healthy scratch).
Description: Pittsburgh wideout Antonio Brown was held to four catches on nine targets for 35 yards Sunday but he caught a one-yard touchdown with 58 seconds left.
Insight: The touchdown was Brown's first since Week 3. He has more value in PPR leagues than standard formats due to his lack of scoring and failure to record 100 yards in any game this season.
Description: Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Wallace enjoyed having Ben Roethlisberger back under center Sunday against San Diego. Wallace caught seven passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.
Insight: Wallace saw 11 targets, his most since Week 7, and had 100 yards receiving for the first time since Week 3. He's a must-start as long as Big Ben is calling the shots.
Description: Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer only ran the ball eight times for 32 yards Sunday versus San Diego.
Insight: Dwyer is Pittsburgh's clear-cut No. 1 running back at the moment (Isaac Redman had two carries and Rashard Mendenhall was a healthy scratch) but the Steelers fell behind 13-0 and 27-3 and had to move away from the run. Dallas will host the Steelers in Week 15.
Description: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger returned to the lineup Sunday against the Chargers and threw for 285 yards and three scores with two turnovers.
Insight: Roethlisberger was on the sidelines for about a month while recovering from rib and shoulder injuries suffered during a Week 9 win over Kansas City. His presence immediately gives Pittsburgh's receivers fantasy value again.
Description: Pittsburgh linebacker LaMarr Woodley is out for Sunday's game against San Diego due to an ankle injury.
Insight: The Steelers' defense has been formidable no matter who has been sidelined this season. For Week 14 they will be without Woodley and cornerback Ike Taylor.
Description: Pittsburgh running back Rashard Mendenhall is inactive for Week 14 against San Diego.
Insight: Mendenhall wasn't listed on the injury report so this is another healthy scratch. It's safe to drop Mendenhall from all rosters. The Steelers will use Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman.
Description: Head coach Mike Tomlin has officially announced that Ben Roethlisberger will be the team's starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
Insight: Roethlisberger was on the sidelines for about a month while recovering from rib and shoulder injuries suffered during a Week 9 win over Kansas City. Charlie Batch will head mercifully back to the bench as Big Ben gets set to take on San Diego's 21st ranked pass defense.
Description: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) made all the throws in Wednesday's practice according to coach Mike Tomlin and is expected to start in Week 14.
Insight: We will know more when we see how his body rebounds for Thursday, but it's looking good for him to play Sunday. The return of Big Ben would also signal to fantasy owners that Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Heath Miller could be viable fantasy receivers.
Description: Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer will continue as the team's starter in Week 14, according to coach Mike Tomlin. He totaled 49 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries against Baltimore.
Insight: The muddled Pittsburgh backfield is getting a bit clearer with Rashard Mendenhall being a healthy scratch in Week 13. Isaac Redman, who received nine rushing attempts last weekend, will backup Dwyer.
Description: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) is expected to start in Week 14, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Insight: We will know more when we see him on the field at Wednesday's first practice of the week. The return of Big Ben would also signal to fantasy owners that Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Heath Miller could be viable fantasy receivers.
Description: According to Profootballtalk.com, Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor will miss the next 2-to-6 weeks after injuring his right ankle in Sunday's win over Baltimore.
Insight: That's a pretty open-ended timetable but the simple matter is Taylor is going to miss some games. Quarterbacks should have a much easier time picking apart Pittsburgh's secondary with Taylor out. The Steelers' next two opponents are the Chargers and Cowboys.
Description: Steelers safety Troy Polamalu finally returned to the field in Week 13 after missing the last seven games and a total of nine this season.
Insight: Polamalu had only played 77 snaps over two games this season due to a calf ailment that he suffered in Week 1.
Description: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) has been ruled out for Week 13, according to beat writer Gerry Dulac.
Insight: This is not surprising considering the way Roethlisberger practiced this week. Week 12 starter Charlie Batch (38.7 QB rating) was as bad as Byron Leftwich, but Batch will get one more chance Sunday against the Ravens. All Pittsburgh receivers should be benched until Big Ben makes his comeback.
Description: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) is unlikely to play Sunday against the Ravens. Coach Mike Tomlin said he will "leave the door open," but a source told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he would be "shocked" if Roethlisberger played.
Insight: Week 12 starter Charlie Batch (38.7 QB rating) was as bad as Byron Leftwich and if the Steelers are going to make a run at the playoffs they must have Roethlisberger under center. Batch will get one more chance Sunday against the Ravens. All Pittsburgh receivers should be benched until Big Ben makes his comeback.
Description: Pittsburgh wideout Antonio Brown (ankle) will practice Wednesday and is expected to play Sunday against the Ravens. SOURCE: Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Insight: Brown has been targeting a Week 13 return all along. He shouldn't be started unless Ben Roethlisberger returns, and the same goes for Mike Wallace, Heath Miller and Emmanuel Sanders.
Description: Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer is expected to be named the starter for Week 13, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Insight: The muddled Pittsburgh backfield contains three backs each capable of rushing for 100 yards if given the full workload. As long as all three get rushing attempts none will be fantasy worthy.
Description: Jim Wexell of SteelCityinsider.com is reporting that Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is expected to practice Wednesday.
Insight: Polamalu has only played 77 snaps over two games this season due to a calf ailment that he suffered in Week 1. Pittsburgh could certainly use him back in the lineup with the rival Ravens next up on the schedule.
Description: Pittsburgh OT Mike Adams is expected to miss Sunday's game against Baltimore due to an ankle injury.
Insight: With Marcus Gilbert already on IR and Willie Colon questionable the Steelers are extremely short-handed on the offensive line. Not a good sign if they are thinking of bringing back Ben Roethlisberger from his rib and shoulder injuries.
Description: Pittsburgh linebacker LaMarr Woodley is doubtful for Sunday's game against Baltimore due to an ankle injury.
Insight: The Steelers' defense has given up the fewest yards of any team in the league (2,829), but Woodley has been playing well and this would hurt as they get ready to face the division rival Ravens.
Description: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) is apparently going to try and return for Week 13, according to Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Insight: Week 12 starter Charlie Batch (38.7 QB rating) was as bad as Byron Leftwich and if the Steelers are going to make a run at the playoffs they must have Roethlisberger under center. Fantasy owners of Big Ben and Mike Wallace are praying for his return to the field.
Description: Steelers QB Charlie Batch completed 20-of-34 for 197 yards with zero touchdowns and three picks Sunday against the Browns.
Insight: Batch targeted Mike Wallace six times but couldn't complete any of them. Pittsburgh ended up turning the ball over eight times, including a lost fumble by all four Steelers running backs (Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman, Jonathan Dwyer, Chris Rainey).
Description: Pittsburgh wideout Antonio Brown (ankle) returned to practice this week and said he was expecting to play Sunday but he won't be active when the Steelers take on Cleveland. SOURCE: ProFootballTalk.com
Insight: Brown has been targeting a Week 13 return but hadn't been ruled out for Week 12. Emmanuel Sanders will start opposite Mike Wallace but he's not an option with Charlie Batch under center.
Description: Steelers wideout Jerricho Cotchery will miss the game with Cleveland due to a rib injury.
Insight: Emmanuel Sanders will likely start opposite Mike Wallace but with the Steelers down to their third-string quarterback, Charlie Batch, no receiver is a great option this week.
Description: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) is "expected back" for Week 13 and hasn't been ruled out as the emergency quarterback Sunday. SOURCE: Jason La Canfora, CBSSports.com
Insight: Charlie Batch will start but Roethlisberger is making fantastic progress in his recovery, sources said. Brian Hoyer is expected to back up Batch Sunday.
Description: Third-stringer Charlie Batch will get the start at QB Sunday when the Steelers take on the Browns.
Insight: Batch, who has not made an appearance for the Steelers yet in 2012, completed 15-of-24 passes for 208 yards and an interception in limited playing time last season. There have been rumblings that Ben Roethlisberger could be back as soon as Week 13, so there's a good chance this will be Batch's only game of the season.
Description: Veteran receiver Plaxico Burress has agreed to rejoin the Pittsburgh Steelers. Burress played for the Steelers from 2000 to 2004.
Insight: The Steelers are a bit shorthanded at receiver right now with Antonio Brown and Jerricho Cotchery both labeled as questionable for Sunday's tilt in Cleveland. Burress gives the team a little more depth but we're guessing he won't be worth a start in fantasy this week, especially with journeyman Charlie Batch getting the start at quarterback.
Description: Former Patriots backup quarterback Brian Hoyer will sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to an Adam Schefter report.
Insight: Hoyer has only thrown 43 passes in three NFL seasons, but Pittsburgh has run out of options with Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich hurt. Charlie Batch, 37-years-old, will start.
Description: Steelers running back Isaac Redman suffered a concussion Sunday against Baltimore and is questionable for Sunday's game against Cleveland.
Insight: The Steelers have Jonathan Dwyer and Rashard Mendenhall so the loss of Redman wouldn't be a huge factor to the team and would make figuring out who to start in your fantasy lineup 33 percent easier.
Description: Team doctors believe Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger could be ready to play by Week 13 according to ESPN. Roethlisberger missed Sunday's game against Baltimore with rib and shoulder injuries.
Insight: Byron Leftwich also got hurt on Sunday, meaning that Charlie Batch is likely to get the start Sunday in Cleveland. Roethlisberger was originally expected to miss at least three weeks but it wouldn't be surprising to see the veteran jump back into the fold a week early. He does have a history of playing through injuries.
Description: Steelers QB Byron Leftwich broke a pair of ribs in Sunday's loss to Baltimore according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. He's doubtful for Sunday's matchup with Cleveland.
Insight: Next up on the Pittsburgh QB depth chart? Charlie Batch. Yes, that Charlie Batch. That's certainly not good for owners of Mike Wallace or Heath Miller.
Description: Byron Leftwich injured his ribs early in Sunday night's loss to Baltimore and is now a question mark for Week 12.
Insight: Leftwich obviously couldn't throw the deep ball which left the Steelers without an option when they needed to throw the "Hail Mary" in the final seconds. Pittsburgh has Charlie Batch backing up Leftwich while starter Ben Roethlisberger is sidelined for a few more weeks. They may audition a few other quarterbacks this week.
Description: Steelers halfback Isaac Redman suffered a concussion Sunday against Baltimore and did not return to action.
Insight: That left the backfield to Rashard Mendenhall (11 carries, 33 yards) and Jonathan Dwyer (12 carries, 55 yards). The Pittsburgh running back situation is as foggy as ever with Redman's status now in question. Fantasy owners who are in a bind should look elsewhere for their backfield needs.
Description: The earliest Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger could return from his rib and shoulder injuries would be Week 14 against San Diego according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Insight: That means the Steelers will have to suffer through at least three more weeks with Byron Leftwich at quarterback. Assemble your lineup accordingly.
Description: Pittsburgh wideout Antonio Brown (ankle) is targeting Week 13 versus the Ravens on the road for a return to the lineup. SOURCE: ProFootballTalk.com
Insight: Brown has a sprained ankle and will likely end up missing three games total, including this Sunday at home against Baltimore and at Cleveland in Week 12. Pittsburgh plays division rival Baltimore twice in three weeks and Brown could be back for the rematch.
Description: With the news that Rashard Mendenhall will start in Week 11 versus Baltimore, both Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer will return to their backup role.
Insight: All three backs have proven they are capable of carrying the workload if given the chance, but it appears Mendenhall will start with Dwyer as the first backup. Under those conditions, Redman has little-to-no fantasy value.
Description: Despite rushing for 285 yards over his last three games, Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer will return to his backup role behind Rashard Mendenhall.
Insight: The muddled Pittsburgh backfield contains three backs each capable of rushing for 100 yards if given the full workload. It remains to be seen how coach Mike Tomlin would divide the work, but Mendenhall is apparently going to get the first opportunity.
Description: Pittsburgh running back Rashard Mendenhall will start against Baltimore in Week 11, according to Steelers beat writer Gerry Dulac. He's been on the sidelines since Week 6 due to an Achilles injury.
Insight: This news definitely complicates things for fantasy owners who were banking on Redman and Jonathan Dwyer to have productive weeks. Given Mendenhall's injury woes this season, there is no guarantee that he'll finish the game or that he'll get the most work. Both Redman and Dwyer were excellent in their replacement roles.
Description: Pittsburgh wideout Antonio Brown (ankle) is not going to play in Week 11, according to beat writer Gerry Dulac.
Insight: Brown was originally believed to have a high ankle sprain. While that may not be true, he's still not ready to return and with Ben Roethlisberger sidelined isn't an automatic start.
Description: Steelers safety Ryan Clark, who sustained a concussion late in Monday night's game with Kansas City, has passed his tests and is expected to play against Baltimore.
Insight: Another reason to bypass Joe Flacco who has been horrible on the road.
Description: Pittsburgh halfback Isaac Redman told reporters Thursday that he believes Rashard Mendenhall will be the team's starting running back Sunday against Baltimore.
Insight: This news definitely complicates things for fantasy owners who were banking on Redman and Jonathan Dwyer to have productive weeks. Mendenhall has missed the Steelers' past four games with an Achilles injury.
Description: Byron Leftwich will start at quarterback for the Steelers this week against the Ravens.
Insight: Leftwich completed seven of 14 passes for 73 yards Monday against the Chiefs. He's filling in for injured starter Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs). We wouldn't expect much from Leftwich on Sunday despite Baltimore's porous secondary.
Description: Pittsburgh wideout Antonio Brown (ankle) isn't likely to play in Week 11, according to beat writer Gerry Dulac.
Insight: Brown was originally believed to have a high ankle sprain. While that may not be true, he's still not ready to return and with Ben Roethlisberger sidelined isn't an automatic start.
Description: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a rib injury along with the shoulder problem and won't play Sunday, according to Adam Schefter.
Insight: Big Ben has a well documented history of playing through injuries but this could be the one that knocks him out for one or more games. Fantasy owners should plan a strategy which doesn't include Roethlisberger in Week 11.
Description: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) is "doubtful" to play Sunday against the Ravens. SOURCE: Jason La Canfora, CBSSports.com
Insight: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin called Big Ben "questionable" due to a sprained SC joint, but a source told La Canfora "doubtful" is more realistic. Big Ben has a well documented history of playing through injuries but this could be the one that knocks him out for one or more games. The good news is that there's no separation to the shoulder.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) is questionable for Week 11.
Insight: Mendenhall could return just in the nick of time for Pittsburgh with QB Ben Roethlisberger potentially sidelined and the team's other two running backs coming off lackluster performances Monday. Mendenhall will be the unquestioned starter once he's healthy.
Description: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a "sternoclavicular sprain" according to coach Mike Tomlin. It is a trauma to the joint connecting his clavicle to his sternum. Surgery is not usually required, but it is very painful.
Insight: Tomlin said that Big Ben is questionable for Sunday night against Baltimore, but then began talking about backup Byron Leftwich. He'll have more MRIs and we should get a clearer picture later.
Description: We are still awaiting official confirmation, but Ed Werder is reporting that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sustained a significant injury to his right shoulder in Pittsburgh's win over Kansas City.
Insight: Roethlisberger couldn't have picked a worse time with the Pittsburgh facing Baltimore twice in the next three weeks. Big Ben has been known to come back sooner than expected from injuries, but at this point we are thinking he'll miss a few games.
Description: Pittsburgh wideout Antonio Brown (ankle) won't play Monday night against the Chiefs and a source with knowledge of the situation said the injury could cause Brown to miss a few games. SOURCE: ProFootballTalk on NBCSports.com
Insight: Brown was believed to have a high ankle sprain but NBCSports.com disregarded that report last week. However, the injury might still be severe enough to keep him out of the lineup for more than one week.
Description: Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has announced that Isaac Redman will get the start at running back Monday night against Kansas City.
Insight: The other option was Jonathan Dwyer, who had posted back-to-back 100-yard games before missing last week's game against New York because of a quad injury. Rashard Mendenhall is still struggling with an Achilles injury and is unlikely to play on Monday night.
Description: Pittsburgh wideout Antonio Brown won't play in Monday night's game against the Chiefs. He suffered a high ankle sprain last week in a win over the Giants.
Insight: Brown had been considered doubtful so this announcement comes as no surprise. Emmanuel Sanders, Heath Miller and Mike Wallace should all get more looks this week in Brown's absence.
Description: Steelers receiver Emmanuel Sanders has been fined $15,000 by the NFL for faking an injury against Cincinnati in Week 7.
Insight: Sanders has mostly underachieved this season (24 catches, 302 yards) but he did score a touchdown last week against the Giants. He'll hope to build off that success Monday night against the Chiefs.
Description: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review suggests that Isaac Redman will get the start at running back Monday night against the Chiefs.
Insight: Redman is coming off a great game against the Giants (147 yards, TD) but so is Jonathan Dwyer (107 yards Week 8 against the Redskins). Even if Redman earns the starter label, we're expecting the Steelers' rushing workload to be close to a 50/50 split.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) will be the team's starter once he's healthy, according to Pittsburgh RB coach Kirby Wilson. SOURCE: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Insight: Mendenhall is expected to sit Monday against the Chiefs as the team goes with the hot hand at running back between Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer. Kirby said Wednesday that Mendenhall "has always been our lead dog and our top runner." There's no guarantee Mendenhall will be 100 percent for Week 11 so we'd still hold onto both Redman and Dwyer.
Description: If Antonio Brown is inactive for Monday night against Kansas City, Emmanuel Sanders will get the start opposite Mike Wallace with Jerricho Cotchery moving up to the No. 3 slot.
Insight: Sanders has 24 receptions for 302 yards and one touchdown this season, but could become fantasy-worthy as the Steelers' starter.
Description: Steelers wideout Jerricho Cotchery will move up to No. 3, if as expected, Antonio Brown can't play against Kansas City Monday night.
Insight: Emmanuel Sanders will start opposite Mike Wallace and will be viable fantasy option, but Cotchery has just eight catches this season for 92 yards and we still don't think he'll see enough targets.
Description: Steelers receiver Antonio Brown (ankle) is doubtful for Monday's game against the Chiefs, coach Mike Tomlin said. SOURCE: Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Insight: Emmanuel Sanders is a target for Brown owners, as he'll likely step into Brown's spot in the starting lineup Monday.
Description: According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that the running back who "gets the totes" will be the one running well at the time.
Insight: Jonathan Dwyer is expected to return from a quad injury this week and Rashard Mendenhall will be questionable. Don't expect Isaac Redman to carry the ball 26 times again against the Chiefs Monday.
Description: Mike Bires of the Beaver County Times is reporting that Troy Polamalu and Marcus Gilbert have already been ruled out of the Week 10 game against Kansas City.
Insight: Polamalu has only played 77 snaps over two games this season due to a calf ailment that he suffered in Week 1. We might not see him again this season after he aggravated the injury in Week 5 trying to return too soon. Pittsburgh could choose to wait until the safety is 100 percent healthy this time.
Description: Steelers running backs Jonathan Dwyer (quad) is expected to return to the field for Monday night's game against Kansas City, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Insight: It remains to be seen how coach Mike Tomlin would divide the workload between Isaac Redman, coming off a 147-yard game, and Dwyer, who rushed for over 100 yards in his last two starts. Stay tuned.
Description: Pro Football Talk is saying that Pittsburgh wideout Antonio Brown did not suffer a high ankle sprain Sunday against the Giants, but both Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and Brown himself have classified the injury as just that.
Insight: Brown's availablity for Week 10 is uncertain. Emmanuel Sanders should draw some interest on the waiver wire this week after scoring a touchdown Sunday.
Description: Pittsburgh halfback Isaac Redman had his best game of the season Sunday against the Giants.
Insight: With Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Dwyer both on the sidelines with injuries, Redman was able to explode for 147 yards on 26 carries. His go-ahead touchdown with four minutes remaining gave the Steelers their fifth win of the season.
Description: Contrary to previous reports, Pro Football Talk is saying that Pittsburgh wideout Antonio Brown did not suffer a high ankle sprain Sunday against the Giants.
Insight: Brown's availablity for Week 10 is uncertain, though the wide receiver seemed confident about his status when speaking with reporters after the game.
Description: Steelers running back Isaac Redman (ankle) has participated in practice this week and will get the start over injured backs Jonathan Dwyer and Rashard Mendenhall.
Insight: Redman had 105 yards receiving in his last game, but he's only rushed for 127 yards on 50 carries (2.5 ypc) all season.
Description: Steelers running backs Jonathan Dwyer (quad) and Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) are inactive for Sunday's game against the Giants.
Insight: Backup Isaac Redman, also slowed by an ankle injury, will get the start after practicing Thursday and Friday, but is a low-end fantasy option, at best, who is averaging just 2.5 ypg in five games this season.
Description: Steelers running backs Jonathan Dwyer (quad) and Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) are inactive for Sunday's game against the Giants.
Insight: Isaac Redman was a full participant Thursday and Friday and will get the start. He's averaging just 2.5 yards per carry on 50 rushes this season so it's going to take a desperate owner to start him.
Description: According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers running backs Jonathan Dwyer (quad) and Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) are doubtful for Sunday's game against the Giants.
Insight: Isaac Redman was a full participant Thursday and Friday and is likely to start. He's averaging just 2.5 yards per carry on 50 rushes this season so it's going to take a desperate owner to start him.
Description: Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Wallace has suffered statistically in the Steelers' new "dink and dunk" offense. Wallace averaged 16.6 ypr last season as compared to 12.8 this season.
Insight: According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Wallace said "he's run eight 'go' routes all season, but three of those were as decoys or clear-outs. I used to go deep a lot last year, almost five a game."
Description: Steelers running back Isaac Redman (ankle) has participated in practice all week. With Jonathan Dwyer missing Friday's practice and Rashard Mendehall expected to miss the Week 9, Redman could get the majority of this weekend's workload.
Insight: Redman had 105 yards receiving in his last game but he's only rushed for 127 yards on 50 carries (2.5 ypc) all season. He did run for 121 yards in a playoff game last January, so he certainly has the ability to produce.
Description: According to Steelers' beat writer Mike Bires, running back Jonathan Dwyer missed Friday's practice and his available for Week 9 is a huge question mark.
Insight: Isaac Redman was a full participant Thursday and Friday and could get the start. Dwyer was coming off two 100-yard games and was a must start if healthy, but this looks like a situation to avoid in Week 9.
Description: According to Mike Bires of the Beaver County Times, Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer (quad) practiced on a limited basis Thursday and said he'll play Sunday versus the Giants.
Insight: Isaac Redman was a full participant Thursday and Bires speculates that Redman could start. We prefer Dwyer coming off two 100-yard games, but this looks like a situation to avoid in Week 9.
Description: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette expects the Steelers to start Jonathan Dwyer at running back again in Week 9 versus the Giants if his quad holds up. Dwyer won't practice Wednesday, however.
Insight: Dwyer has rushed for back-to-back 100-yard game and is averaging 5.2 ypc on 58 runs this season. Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) will go through individual workouts Wednesday and will likely be questionable for Week 9 and Isaac Redman (ankle) will practice all week. Redman may wind up being Pittsburgh's healthiest running back in Week 9, but he's not as good of a fantasy option as Dwyer or Mendenhall.
Description: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 222 yards and three touchdowns with zero picks in Sunday's game against the Redskins.
Insight: Roethlisberger tossed short touchdowns to Leonard Pope, Heath Miller and Will Johnson, which should frustrate owners of Mike Wallace (7-62) and Antonio Brown (4-38).
Description: Pittsburgh tailback Jonathan Dwyer rushed for 100-plus yards for the second straight game in Week 8 versus Washington.
Insight: Dwyer should continue to receive the majority of the carries as long as Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) remains out. It's likely that Dwyer has eclipsed Isaac Redman on the depth chart.
Description: Steelers safety Ryan Clark left Sunday's game after the opening series of the second half with a concussion and is not expected to return.
Insight: Pittsburgh's secondary is already missing Troy Polamalu so this is a depleted secondary.
Description: According to ProFootballWeekly.com, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu's calf injury is a "serious concern."
Insight: Polamalu has only played 77 snaps over two games this season due to a calf ailment that he suffered in Week 1. We might not see him again this season after he aggravated the injury in Week 5 trying to return too soon. Pittsburgh could choose to wait until the safety is 100 percent healthy this time.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) will not play in Week 8.
Insight: Mendenhall sustained an Achilles injury in Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans, forcing him to leave the game and miss last week's contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. With backup Isaac Redman also slowed by an ankle injury, it appears Jonathan Dwyer will get a chance to start for a second week. Dwyer rushed for 122 yards last weekend and should be a solid play this Sunday.
Description: Pittsburgh tailback Jonathan Dwyer, who ran for 122 yards last Sunday in a win over Cincinnati, should get his second consecutive start in Week 8.
Insight: Isaac Redman (ankle) and Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) shouldn't be expected to contribute much this weekend as they are still far from healthy. Redman is closer, but Dwyer should be the correct play.
Description: Steelers running back Isaac Redman (ankle) turned in a limited practice session Thursday while Rashard Mendenhall sat out again.
Insight: Redman had 105 yards receiving in his last game but he's only rushed for 127 yards on 50 carries (2.5 ypc) this season. Jonathan Dwyer ran for 122 on 17 carries against the Bengals in Week 7 so even if Mendenhall remains out Dwyer will likely play over Redman.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) and Isaac Redman (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, according to beat writer Bob Labriola.
Insight: The picture should get clearer later in the week. Jonathan Dwyer rushed for a Steelers' season-high 122 yards in their absence last week. If all three are available it will be interesting to see which way coach Mike Tomlin chooses to go.
Description: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Alan Robinson is reporting that SS Troy Polamalu has been ruled out for Week 8.
Insight: Polamalu left the Week 5 game after aggravating a calf injury and has missed the last two games. The Steelers' defense historically yields about nine points more with Polamalu out of the lineup.
Description: Pittsburgh halfback Jonathan Dwyer busted loose for 122 yards rushing Sunday in a win over Cincinnati.
Insight: The 122 yards was a career-high for Dwyer and the most by a Steelers running back this season. His impact is contingent on the health of Isaac Redman and Rashard Mendenhall but while both of them are out, Dwyer remains a strong flex play and might even be a serviceable RB-2 depending on the situation.
Description: ESPN's John Clayton confirmed on SportsCenter that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will suit up for Sunday's game against the Bengals. Roethlisberger sprained his ankle in practice earlier in the week.
Insight: Pittsburgh will probably rely on Roethlisberger a little more than usual Sunday without the aid of star running backs Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) and Isaac Redman (ankle).
Description: Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer should get the start and is a decent play against the Bengals on Sunday night, but the Steelers figure to throw more often than normal. Baron Batch will be his backup.
Insight: Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) and Isaac Redman (ankle) missed practice again Friday and neither will play Sunday night against Cincinnati.
Description: Steelers running back Isaac Redman (ankle) has not practiced all week and will not be able to take advantage of Rashard Mendenhall's absence (Achilles).
Insight: Jonathan Dwyer should get the start and is a decent play against the Bengals on Sunday night, but the Steelers figure to throw more often than normal. Baron Batch will be his backup.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) and Isaac Redman (ankle) didn't practice Friday and will not play in Week 7, asccording to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
Insight: Jonathan Dwyer should get the start and is a decent play against the Bengals on Sunday night, but the Steelers figure to throw more often than normal. Baron Batch will be his backup.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) and Isaac Redman (ankle) didn't practice Thursday.
Insight: The Steelers play Sunday night and we could be looking at a game-time decision so we'd advise fantasy owners to bench all Steelers RBs this week, including Jonathan Dwyer.
Description: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger left Thursday's practice after suffering a right ankle injury.
Insight: Another day, another injury for Big Ben. We've seen this guy play through almost everything football has thrown his way, so an ankle injury team beat writer Mike Bires described as minor shouldn't be a problem.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) didn't practice Wednesday.
Insight: Mendenhall is day-to-day with the injury, but it's not a positive sign that he was unavailable Wednesday since Pittsburgh played in the Thursday night game last week. We're probably looking at a game-time decision Sunday night.
Description: Pittsburgh Post Gazette's Ed Bouchette is reporting that SS Troy Polamalu has been ruled out for Week 7. Bouchette is usually right when it comes to the Steelers.
Insight: Polamalu left Week 5's game after aggravating his calf injury and missed the team's 26-23 upset loss to Tennessee. The Pittsburgh defense historically plays a lot better with him in the lineup and are set to face division rival Cincinnati this Sunday night.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) is day-to-day according to beat writer Ed Bouchette.
Insight: Mendenhall is indicating that it's just a minor problem, but we will know more when they get back on the practice field on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Description: Jason La Canfora doesn't believe that SS Troy Polamalu will play in Week 7.
Insight: Polamalu left Week 5's game after aggravating his calf injury and missed the team's 26-23 upset loss to Tennessee. The Pittsburgh defense historically plays a lot better with him in the lineup and are set to face division rival Cincinnati this Sunday night.
Description: According to NFL.com, Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall's Achilles injury is minor, but he's not guaranteed to be ready for next week.
Insight: Mendenhall's status for Week 7 will be determined by how his Achilles responds over the weekend. Mendenhall was making his second start Thursday since returning from a torn ACL in Week 5 when he had to leave with tightness in his Achilles. The Steelers will have to determine whether Mendenhall's injury has anything to do with his quick recovery from the knee surgery and if it does we may see them be more conservative with the running back going forward.
Description: Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Wallace caught an 82-yard touchdown pass Thursday against the Titans but he only had one other catch in the game.
Insight: Wallace finished with 94 yards on two receptions. He was only targeted four times after catching just two of eight targets on Sunday.
Description: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recorded his second 300-yard game of the season Thursday against the Titans, throwing for 363 yards on 24-of-40 passing with a touchdown and a pick.
Insight: Roethlisberger has only thrown two TD passes in his last two games after connecting for eight scores in his first three. Still, Pittsburgh is clearly a pass-first team -- Roethlisberger has averaged 39.6 attempts per game -- and Big Ben is one of the NFL's best. He's a top-10 fantasy starter.
Description: Steelers running back Isaac Redman left Thursday's game against the Titans with a knee injury.
Insight: Redman took a helmet to the knee and is questionable to return. The running back had 14 yards on five carries and 105 yards on four catches prior to exiting. Rashard Mendenhall also left the game and Jonathan Dwyer was inactive so the Steelers are going to have to rely on Baron Batch and Chris Rainey.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall left Thursday's game against the Titans with what the team is calling an Achilles injury, according to NFL Network's Alex Flanagan.
Insight: Mendenhall just returned this past Sunday from a torn ACL so hopefully this isn't another serious lower-body injury.
Description: A stat correction has been applied to last week's Steelers/Eagles game. Rashard Mendenhall's 13-yard rushing touchdown is now being credited as a 13-yard TD pass for Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Insight: Roethlisberger initially threw for 207 yards and zero touchdowns in Week 5 against the Eagles so this gives him some extra fantasy production. The nine-year veteran now has nine touchdowns on the season. His current quarterback rating of 102.9 is the second-highest of his career.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall was limited in Tuesday's practice due to precautionary measures the team is taking to keep him healthy following his season debut in Week 5.
Insight: Mendenhall has a great matchup Thursday against the Titans and he should see an increased workload after rushing for 81 yards and a score on 14 carries in his first action since tearing his ACL last season.
Description: Pittsburgh linebacker LaMarr Woodley is doubtful for Thursday's game against the Titans. Woodley exited Sunday's win over the Eagles because of a hamstring injury.
Insight: Head coach Mike Tomlin is calling the injury "mild" so Woodley probably would have had a good chance to play if the game were on Sunday or Monday. With the short week though, we're guessing the Steelers air on the side of caution and let Woodley sit this one out.
Description: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said running back Rashard Mendenhall didn't have any setbacks to his surgically-repaired knee after playing his first game of the season Sunday against the Eagles.
Insight: That's the news we were waiting for. Mendenhall should be OK to carry a heavier workload going forward after rushing for 81 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. He's by far the best running back Pittsburgh has.
Description: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said safety Troy Polamalu (calf) will not play Thursday against the Titans, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Insight: Polamalu left Sunday's game after aggravating his calf injury. The Steelers shouldn't have any problem beating the woeful Titans without him. Polamalu will have nearly two weeks to get healthy for Week 7's game against the Bengals.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in his return to the lineup Sunday against the Eagles.
Insight: Mendenhall is the latest running back to look spry in his return from an ACL tear, following Adrian Peterson and Jamaal Charles. Mendenhall should continue to be the team's lead back going forward since he's so much better than Pittsburgh's other RB options, as long as he doesn't experience swelling or soreness in his knee following his heaviest workload in almost 10 months.
Description: Steelers safety Troy Polamalu aggravated his calf injury in the first quarter Sunday against the Eagles. Pittsburgh also lost LaMarr Woodley to a hamstring injury so Philadelphia should have an easier time trying to run its offense.
Insight: Polamalu hopped off the field on one foot and is questionable to return. The safety missed the last two games with the same injury but was able to rest during the bye week. Pittsburgh's defense is always much stronger with Polamalu wreaking havoc.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall's playing time Sunday will be based on the feedback he gives the coaching staff and the body language he displays during the game, according to a report on ESPN's "Fantasy Football Now."
Insight: Mendenhall tore his ACL last season and has needed the first four weeks of this season to recover from it but he'll make his season debut in Week 5. We like his chances to be the lead back right away considering how ineffective Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer were.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee) is listed as probable on the injury report for Week 5 against the Eagles.
Insight: Mendenhall tore his ACL last season and has needed the first four weeks of this season to recover from it. Isaac Redman and Johnathan Dwyer have hardly impressed with Mendenhall out -- Pittsburgh ranks 31st in the NFL with 65 rushing yards per game -- so we expect Mendenhall to step right into the lead back role.
Description: According to a Gerry Dulac report in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers linebacker James Harrison will start on Sunday against Philadelphia, but split time with Chris Carter.
Insight: It's a huge boost to the Steelers defense which is 21st in points yielding 25 ppg. Safety Troy Polamalu is also expected back in the lineup.
Description: Coach Mike Tomlin expects Steelers safety Troy Polamalu to return to action on Sunday against the Eagles, according to an Ed Bouchette report.
Insight: Pittsburgh yielded 25 ppg over the first three weeks (they have a bye in Week 4). The additions of Polamalu and James Harrison will make it tougher for fantasy owners of Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Brent Celek.
Description: According to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report, coach Mike Tomlin expects Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison to play on Sunday against Philadelphia.
Insight: It's a huge boost to the Steelers defense which is 21st in points yielding 25 ppg. Safety Troy Polamalu is also expected back in the lineup.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is still on track to make his season debut Sunday versus the Eagles according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Insight: Mendenhall tore his ACL last season and has needed the first four weeks of this season to recover from it. His presence makes for a confusing situation in the Pittsburgh backfield with Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer expected to continue getting carries as well.
Description: According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison has encountered a setback in his recovery from an injured knee.
Insight: The Steelers don't play again until they host Philadelphia in Week 5 but it's looking less and less likely that Harrison will be available for that game.
Description: Steelers running back Isaac Redman could fade into fantasy non-factor status after Pittsburgh returns from their bye week as Rashard Mendenhall is expected to return to the lineup.
Insight: Redman and Jonathan Dwyer have done little to warrant our attention in Mendenhall's absence over the first three weeks. Neither has been able to hit double-digit fantasy points over the first three weeks of the season.
Description: Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu didn't practice on Wednesday and it looks like a long shot that he'll be able to play Sunday against the Raiders.
Insight: He is still struggling with an injured calf. Polamalu played all 16 games last season but between 2009 and 2010 the star safety missed 13 of the Steelers' 32 contests. We're guessing Polamalu won't be available until after the team's bye week.
Description: According to ESPN, it's unlikely Steelers linebacker James Harrison will be available for Sunday's game against Oakland. Harrison is still recovering from knee surgery.
Insight: We could see Harrison back in action after Piitsburgh's bye week in Week 4.
Description: According to a report in the Beaver County Times, Pittsburgh running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee) will make his return in Week 5, after the team's bye week.
Insight: This is as expected. Mendenhall has been fully participating in practice over the past two week, but most have expected the team to delay his return until after the bye.
Description: As expected, Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison will miss Sunday's game with the New York Jets.
Insight: This is good news for the Jets offense as a healthy Harrison is a disruptive force to be reckoned with. Harrison had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Aug. 15.
Description: Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Wallace won't have to contend with the NFL's best cover cornerback in the Jets Darrelle Revis Sunday. Revis has been ruled out of Week 2 with a concussion.
Insight: Wallace caught four passes for 37 yards in Week 1 but he salvaged the game with a touchdown. The receiver will presumably draw Antonio Cromartie this week, which is still a tough matchup but nowhere near as debilitating as being stranded on Revis Island.
Description: Pittsburgh tailback Rashard Mendenhall (knee) was a full participant in practice this week, but is still doubtful for Week 2 versus the New York Jets.
Insight: Pittsburgh said the same thing last week but Mendenhall didn't play Sunday. He's still not likely to make a fantasy impact for another few weeks.
Description: Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is questionable for Sunday's game against the New York Jets with a calf injury.
Insight: According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, coach Mike Tomlin was "optimistic Tuesday that the veteran safety would play, but defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau did not sound that way after practice Thursday." It's a huge blow to the Steelers defense is Polamalu doesn't play.
Description: According to a report in the Pittsburgh Post-GazetteSteelers by Ed Bouchette linebacker James Harrison will miss Sunday's game with the New York Jets. Bouchette is rarely wrong in these matters.
Insight: This is good news for the Jets offense as a healthy Harrison is a disruptive force to be reckoned with. Harrison had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Aug. 15.
Description: Steelers receiver Antonio Brown could see a rise in his fantasy value with the Jets not having Darrelle Revis availble for their Week 2 matchup with the Steelers..
Insight: Mike Wallace will likely see Antonio Cromartie across the line of scrimmage while Brown gets a backup, probable Kyle Wilson or Ellis Lankster.
Description: Steelers linebacker James Harrison will make his season debut Sunday against the Jets according to ESPN.com.
Insight: Harrison had surgery on his left knee a little over a month ago and is finally ready to go. His presence should make life a little more difficult for New York QB Mark Sanchez, who breezed to a 266-yard/three touchdown performance in the season opener against Buffalo.
Description: Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer didn't practice Wednesday due to a foot injury, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Insight: Dwyer was Pittsburgh's leading rusher in Week 1 and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Dwyer has earned an increased role due to the performance. Even though Rashard Mendenhall reportedly practiced fully Wednesday, it's more likely that Dwyer plays Sunday than Mendenhall.
Description: Pittsburgh tailback Rashard Mendenhall (knee) was a full participant in practice Wednesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Insight: Pittsburgh said the same thing last week but Mendenhall didn't play Sunday. He's still not likely to make a fantasy impact for another few weeks.
Description: ESPN New York reports linebacker James Harrison is hoping to play in Pittsburgh's next game on Sunday versus the Jets.
Insight: Harrison missed Sunday's season opener against Denver while tending to his injured left knee. He was able to work out on Monday and if all goes well this week, Harrison could be back in uniform Sunday at Heinz Field.
Description: Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer was the team's leading rusher in Week 1, earning 23 more yards than Isaac Redman on two less carries.
Insight: Dwyer averaged 4.8 ypc to Redman's 1.8, finishing with 43 yards on nine carries. Redman had 20 yards on 11 carries, and both players had two catches. Neither is much of a fantasy option.
Description: Pittsburgh tailback Rashard Mendenhall will be inactive for Sunday night's tilt versus the Broncos. Mendenhall is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered near the end of last season.
Insight: Isaac Redman will get the start for the Steelers and figures to be a solid RB2 option until Mendenhall returns.
Description: Steelers running back Isaac Redman (hip) will start Sunday for Pittsburgh, according to ESPN.com.
Insight: Rashard Mendenhall was never a possibility for this game, even if Steelers coach Mike Tomlin didn't rule him out earlier in the week. Redman and Jonathan Dwyer will likely split carries, making neither a good RB2 option.
Description: Pittsburgh outside linebacker James Harrison won't be available for Sunday's season opener against the Broncos. He's still recovering from a recent knee surgery.
Insight: The Steelers will also be without safety Ryan Clark, who can't play in Denver's high altitude because of a sickle cell trait. Their absences should make things a lot easier for Peyton Manning as he takes the field for his first regular season game as a Bronco.
Description: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is listed as doubtful, according to beat writer Mike Bires of the Beaver County Times.
Insight: We have thought all along that Mendenhall would not be ready to go in Week 1, so this is no surprise. With Isaac Redman also hurting, this may be an opportunity for Jonathan Dwyer to shine.
Description: According to Scout.com, Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall said he only practiced "a little bit" Thursday. Though Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin hasn't ruled him out yet, Mendenhall is unlikely for Week 1.
Insight: It's likely Tomlin is just trying to keep the Broncos guessing as to what the Steelers will do with their running back rotation Sunday night, since it doesn't seem like Mendenhall ever had a realistic chance to play.
Description: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he will be in attendance for the birth of his child and would be willing to miss a game if necessary.
Insight: The due date is supposedly in December so this won't affect Roethlisberger's status heading into Week 1's matchup against Denver.
Description: According to the Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall was a full participant in practice Wednesday.
Insight: Mendenhall has recovered quickly from ACL surgery last December. While we wouldn't start him Week 1 with the Steelers playing on Sunday night, Mendenhall may prove to be a useful RB2 later this month.
Description: According to the Scott Brown of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is not ruling out running back Rashard Mendenhall (ACL) for Week 1.
Insight: Mendenhall reportedly had an impressive practice Monday but it seems unlikely that he'll have a major role Week 1. Still, it's a positive sign that he's coming along quickly, unless you own Jonathan Dwyer or Isaac Redman.
Description: Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer could emerge as the team's primary running back with Rashard Mendenhall not ready to return from his knee injury and Isaac Redman dealing with ankle and hip injuries.
Insight: Dwyer saw 28 carries for 147 yards in the preseason and is the healthiest of the Steelers three running back options.
Description: Steelers running back Isaac Redman is questionable for Sunday's game against Denver with ankle and hip injuries.
Insight: With Rashard Mendenhall not ready to go (knee) and Redman hurting, Jonathan Dwyer could see a lot of the workload on Sunday. Those who had early season fantasy drafts probably expected Redman to be the guy until Mendenhall returned, but that may not be the case anymore.
Description: Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer finished the preseason with 147 yards on 28 carries and 46 yards on four receptions.
Insight: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggests that Dwyer may be pushing the injured Isaac Redman to start at halfback Week 1. Redman is currently going in the seventh round of mock drafts on fantasyfootballcalculator.com, while Dwyer is going undrafted.
Description: Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Wallace ended his holdout, reporting to Steelers camp on Tuesday.
Insight: Wallace won't have very much time to learn Pittsburgh's new offense under offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Wallace is capable of getting by on talent alone but we're still not expecting him to be as prolific as he was a year ago when Wallace registered 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns.
Description: Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Wallace is ending his holdout. He's expected to report to Steelers camp on Tuesday.
Insight: Wallace won't have very much time to learn Pittsburgh's new offense under offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Wallace is capable of getting by on talent alone but we're still not expecting him to be as prolific as he was a year ago when Wallace registered 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns.
Description: Pittsburgh lineman and 2012 first round pick David DeCastro injured his knee Saturday against Buffalo and appears to have damage in both his ACL and MCL.
Insight: The Steelers had high hopes for DeCastro's rookie campaign but now it appears the former Stanford star will miss a good chunk of the 2012 season if not all of it.
Description: According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers running back Isaac Redman said his hip injury could plague him all season.
Insight: "I'm a downhill runner and take a lot of pounding," Redman said. "I'm not really sure how the hip is going to hold up or if it's going to hurt at all." We wouldn't draft Redman, or Rashard Mendenhall (knee) for that matter, to be anything more than running back depth in 12-team leagues.
Description: According to Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Steelers running back Isaac Redman said the MRI revealed a hip injury, not a groin injury.
Insight: Redman is practicing, but cautiously, so as to not have any setbacks before the season begins. Pittsburgh is thin at the running back spot with Rashard Mendenhall still weeks away from returning.
Description: Plugged in Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says the Steelers expect wide receiver Mike Wallace to report this weekend. If true, it would give him two weeks to get ready for the opener.
Insight: Wallace was a top fantasy receiver in 2011, hauling in 72 balls for 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns. The two weeks should be enough time to be ready as both he and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger are veterans of the offense.
Description: According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers activated running back Rashard Mendenhall from the PUP list to leave open the possibility that he will return sooner than Week 7.
Insight: If Mendenhall had started the season on the PUP list he would have had to sit out the first six weeks, but Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said the running back may be ready to return by Week 5 or 6.
Description: In a surprise move, Pittsburgh has activated running back Rashard Mendenhall from the physically unable to perform list. Mendenhall has been rehabbing an injured knee.
Insight: Mendenhall isn't expected to be ready for Week 1 but when he does eventually make his return to the field for Pittsburgh, it's sure to limit the amount of touches Isaac Redman will receive. We wouldn't recommend selecting either player in upcoming fantasy drafts.
Description: According to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Steelers running back Isaac Redman said the MRI on his injured groin "went well" but he wouldn't elaborate.
Insight: Rashard Mendenhall is likely to miss the first six games of the season on the PUP list and Redman has dealt with several injuries in training camp. Jonathan Dwyer, who Kaboly called "thinner and quicker," may be given a shot to carry the load early in the season.
Description: According to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune, teams have inquired about a trade for Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace but Pittsburgh refuses to make the disgruntled player available.
Insight: Teammate Emmanuel Sanders said Thursday that he expects Wallace to return to the team soon, and the Steelers seem confident that the receiver will sign his one-year tender prior to the start of the regular season. Wallace is talented enough to be drafted in rounds 2-3 in fantasy drafts, but his holdout has dropped his ADP down to 4.12 on fantasyfootballcalculator.com. You're taking a risk in drafting him since he may not report, but he could prove to be a bargain.
Description: Steelers halfback Isaac Redman exited practice Wednesday because of a sore hip. Redman has also been struggling with an injured groin.
Insight: With Rashard Mendenhall banged up as well, the Pittsburgh running back situation is one that should be avoided heading into the 2012 fantasy season.
Description: Steelers linebacker James Harrison had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Wednesday. He's been placed on Pittsburgh's physically unable to perform list.
Insight: It's unknown exactly how much time Harrison will miss but the hope is that he'll still be able to compete in the team's season opener September 9th versus Denver.
Description: Pittsburgh running back Isaac Redman will get an MRI on his groin according to a report from Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Insight: Not good news for the already shorthanded Steelers backfield. If the injury gets worse, Pittsburgh would be down Jonathan Dwyer, Chris Rainey and Baron Batch. Or good news if you have Ben Roethlisberger because he may throw the ball more often.
Description: ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Steelers receiver Mike Wallace (holdout) is expected to return to the team before the start of the regular season.
Insight: Schefter noted that Wallace could always change his mind. Though drafting Wallace is a risk, if he does report to the team he is likely to post big numbers as he tries to prove he is worth a big-time long-term contract.
Description: David Johnson, who was working as a fullback in training camp, suffered what appeared to be a torn right ACL in the team's first preseason game against the Eagles, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Insight: Johnson wasn't going to have any fantasy value, but this could hurt the entire Pittsburgh running game. The only other fullback on the Steelers roster, says Bouchette, is Will Johnson, who was out of football in 2011.
Description: Pittsburgh running back Isaac Redman rushed five times for 14 yards and had two catches for four yards.
Insight: We saw nothing spectacular, but its early. Fantasy owners are excited about Redman off of his 2011 Week 16 and playoff game performances in which he totaled 252 yards from scrimmage.
Description: Running back Chris Rainey was surprisingly busy in the Steelers first preseason game against Philadelphia. He rushed four times and caught a pair of balls, including a
57-touchdown on a screen pass.
Insight: The rookie from Florida will likely be Pittsburgh's primary kick returner because of his blazing speed, but could end up being a third-down back in passing situations.
Description: Steelers receiver Mike Wallace is not on the trading block now and won't be on it at any point this season, a team source told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Tuesday.
Insight: Pittsburgh has told Wallace it will not have any further discussions on a potential long-term contract until he signs his tender and reports to the team. However, Wallace has shown no indication that he is ready to report. The Steelers will wait several weeks before they decide if they need to sign a veteran receiver.
Description: According to NFL.com, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said on KDKA-FM in Pittsburgh that he would be surprised if running back Rashard Mendenhall didn't open the season on the PUP list.
Insight: The expectation has been that the Steelers back would miss the first six games because of his torn ACL, and Colbert basically confirmed that Tuesday. Isaac Redman will shoulder the load in Pittsburgh until Mendenhall returns, and even then Redman will still factor heavily into the backfield mix as the team will likely ease Mendenhall back into play.
Description: Steelers GM Kevin Colbert joined 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh and said "there's really no contact" between the team and wide receiver Mike Wallace.
Insight: We can't assume that Wallace won't hold out for the start of the season like Vincent Jackson did two years ago so we have to bump him down draft boards until he reports.
Description: It's looking more and more likely that Isaac Redman will be the Steelers starting running back for at least the first six weeks as Rashard Mendenhall continues his slow return from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered about seven months ago.
Insight: Fantasy owners are excited about Redman off of his 2011 Week 16 and playoff game performances in which he totaled 252 yards from scrimmage. The key is not paying too high a price for a player that may only give you starting fantasy value for the first half of the season.
Description: Pittsburgh running back Rashard Mendenhall told NFL.com that "everything that we've done so far ... has been successful." The problem, however, is that Mendenhall also acknowledged that there is no schedule for his return.
Insight: It appears that Mendenhall will likely start the season on the PUP list and backup Isaac Redman should be a fantasy-worthy starter for at least the first six weeks.
Description: Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been dealing with a "little torn rotator cuff" in his right shoulder.
Insight: Roethlisberger will play through just about anything so don't worry about this affecting his status going into the regular season. You can bet Big Ben will be out there Week 1 when the Steelers play Denver on Sunday Night Football.
Description: Steelers receiver Antonio Brown has agreed to a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension.
Insight: This is a statement move by Pittsburgh. Now Mike Wallace almost certainly won't be given a new contract and if he remains firm in his stance not to sign the Steelers' franchise tender, the two sides could be headed for an ugly divorce. Stay tuned.
Description: Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace has still yet to sign his $2.47 million franchise tender and appears to be holding out from training camp until a long-term deal is reached.
Insight: Contract talks had been going well as recently as last week but now the Steelers have cut off talks with Wallace until he agrees to sign his tender and so far, that has yet to happen. Neither side is budging and this could get messy. Right now Pittsburgh is moving forward with Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders as the team's top receiving threats and so should you.
Description: According to Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports, the Steelers are making progress in long-term contract talks with receiver Mike Wallace.
Insight: Pittsburgh has a new offensive coordinator in Todd Haley, so it would benefit Wallace and the Steelers to get a deal done and get him into training camp on time.
Description: Pittsburgh wideout Antonio Brown said he is hoping to continue to return punts and kicks in 2012.
Insight: It was Brown, not Mike Wallace who led the Steelers in targets last season. He totaled 1,108 yards receiving and another 1,062 yards in punt and kickoff returns. In leagues which accumulate kick return points, Brown should be a top-10 receiver.
Description: Former Steelers and Redskins wide receiver Antwaan Randle El announced his retirement on Friday.
Insight: Randle El hadn't appeared in an NFL game since 2010 when he caught 22 passes for 253 yards in 16 games for Pittsburgh. He ends his career with 4,467 receiving yards, 370 catches and 15 touchdowns in 143 games.
Description: According to Len Pasquarelli of Yahoo! Sports, there has been "no progress" and "very little negotiation" between the Steelers and wide receiver Mike Wallace.
Insight: Training camp is about three weeks away, so this obviously is not a good sign. It seems likely at this time that Wallace will miss the start of camp.
Description: According to Peter King of SI, Pittsburgh running back Rashard Mendenhall will not be ready for the start of the season and likely will miss "at least" six weeks.
Insight: This makes picking Isaac Redman a more viable early option. Taking Mendenhall with a later pick will assure that you get all the Steelers rushing yards.
Description: According to reports, Pittsburgh running back Rashard Mendenhall has begun running sprints.
Insight: Those planning on selecting Isaac Redman with a high pick, beware. There is no guarantee that Mendenhall will begin the season on the PUP list as he appears to be ahead of schedule.
Description: Steelers restricted free-agent receiver Mike Wallace is growing frustrated with the lack of progress in contract talks.
Insight: It's still early, but this isn't good news. Frustrated receivers usually end up with mediocre numbers - see DeSean Jackson's 2011 statistics. Hopefully Wallace and management will come together because a happy Wallace could improve on last year's 72-catch, 1,193-yard, eight TD season.
