Monthly Archives: November 2013

DeCastro, Wheaton, And Other Injury News

Coach Tomlin gave injury updates today in his weekly press conference. There was a mix of good news and bad news. Both David DeCastro and Markus Wheaton are expected to return to full participation tomorrow. Coach Tomlin said DeCastro was in this morning working out and that he’s “ready to rock and roll”. Of Wheaton, Tomlin said it’s ‘all systems go for him tomorrow’. Kelvin Beachum has a left hip flexor injury and is expected to be limited in the early portion of the week. Cam Heyward has a left knee contusion that will limit him in the early portion of the week. Fernando Velasco has what could be characterized as a thigh injury according to Tomlin, and that should limit him earlier in the week as well.

Tomlin also updated the status of some of the players who were injured during the Patriots game that won’t be practicing in the early portion of the week. Marcus Gilbert suffered a right ankle injury during the game. Ike Taylor and Vince Williams suffered concussions, and will need to go through the various concussion tests before they can resume practice.

Steelers Sign CB DeMarcus Van Dyke

Jerry Dulac of the Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers have signed CB DeMarcus Van Dyke after having him in for a workout this morning. DVD spent time on the roster last year, and saw mostly limited snaps on special teams, during a  handful of games.  He was with the team in training camp this summer, but suffered a serious hamstring injury during the last week of July. Van Dyke is a speedster, who ran a 4.28 40 yd during his 2011 combine.  Bringing in Van Dyke is a depth move as Ike Taylor is recovering from concussion symptoms this week.

Steelers And Patriots Inactives

No real surprises in terms of Steelers inactives today. QB Landry Jones, WR Markus Wheaton, CB Curtis Brown, TE Rich Gordon, LB Kion Wilson, G David DeCastro, and NT Loni Fangupo are inactive.

For the Patriots:

CB Aqib Talib, WR Kenbrell Thompkins, RB Leon Washington, OL Chris Barker, LB Steve Beauharnais, WR Josh Boyce and DE Jaje Bequette. Talib’s absence will be noticed.

DeCastro Ruled Out And Other Injury News

David DeCastro has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against New England. Markus Wheaton (finger) and Curtis Brown (non-injury) have also been ruled out for the Patriots game.

Ramon Foster (concussion) and Guy Whimper (knee) are listed as probable. Ramon Foster has to pass one more concussion test tomorrow to be able to play. When asked about the test, Foster said, “I should be pretty sharp”. Guy Whimper will start in DeCastro’s place, and has been preparing to do so in practice.