Multiple key players for the Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with significant injuries, with running back DeAngelo Williams (foot) being ruled out again and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) being officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. But the biggest potential absence for the Steelers was confirmed Friday morning, with wide receiver Antonio Brown being ruled out with a concussion.
Brown was of course injured on a brutal hit from Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict last Saturday night, and his being ruled out officially dismisses the claim from Bengals cornerback Adam “Pacman“ Jones that the injury was faked.
With Brown out, the Steelers will lean more heavily on Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton against Denver, with Darrius Heyward-Bey also likely to step into a bigger role. Brown’s 193 regular season targets were over 100 more than any other Steelers pass catcher (Bryant, 92 targets), and in the Week 15 regular season matchup against the Broncos he had 16 receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns.
Brown’s target volume and production is irreplaceable, and his absence will significantly alter Pittsburgh’s offensive game plan. Roethlisberger has to be considered likely to play on Sunday, even in an extremely limited state, but Brown is the Steelers’ most important offensive player. His absence gives a strong Broncos defense another advantage.
