LaMarr Woodley will not play, Steve McLendon expected to return
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley (56) on the sidelines against the New York Giants during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers top pass rusher LaMarr Woodley has been dealing with calf injuries for a good part of the 2013 season, and his latest ailment will keep him out of this week’s game against the Green Bay Packers. According to ESPN NFL Nation’s Scott Brown, the Steelers have already ruled out Woodley this week, as he suffered yet another calf injury on Sunday in the win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Although this calf injury is on the other leg of the calf injuries he suffered earlier this year, it will still cost Woodley this week’s game.
It’s a tough blow for the Steelers, and hopefully Georgia rookie Jarvis Jones can step up in his stead. One of the top-rated draft prospects in terms of talent, Jones hasn’t made an immediate impact on the Steelers defense, and he’s been significantly outplayed by Jason Worilds, who has been a revelation ever since switching sides.
The Steelers will be without Woodley against the playoff-hopeful Packers, but they are expected to be with nose tackle Steve McLendon, per Brown. McLendon suffered an ankle injury in Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but he did return to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 14. He was unable to play against the Bengals on Sunday but is fully expected to play this week.