Fansided

5 reasons the Pittsburgh Steelers are in trouble without Ben Roethlisberger

By Ronnie Hampston

Oct 16, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is tripped by by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (97) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is tripped by by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (97) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) sits on the bench during the in closing minutes of a AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Denver defeated Pittsburgh 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) sits on the bench during the in closing minutes of a AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Denver defeated Pittsburgh 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Other injuries

Roethlisberger may be the team’s most important injured player, but he’s not its only injured player.

Cam Heyward, a defensive stalwart, is out with a hamstring injury, and will miss his second consecutive game this Sunday. Not only is Heyward the Steelers’ sack leader, his leadership and ability to stop the run are crucial to this defense.

It’s good news that he’s slated to come back against Baltimore in Week 9, but his services will be missed yet again as the Steelers face off against Tom Brady and the Patriots.

As of now, Ryan Shazier is expected to play against the Patriots, but given his injury history with Pittsburgh, he may not be an option either. Shazier’s speed and tackling ability have been missed, as the Pittsburgh defense recently gave up over 200 yards to Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi, whose career high in rushing yards stood at 42 before facing the Steelers.

On the offensive side of the ball, offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert will miss his third game in a row due to a lingering ankle and foot injury. Like Roethlisberger, his return date is unknown, and without his ability to plunge defenders out of the way for Le’Veon Bell, the offense is placed under even greater pressure.

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