Steelers vs. Broncos: Latest Injury News and Updates for AFC Wild Card Showdown

In October, the Denver Broncos had Andrew Luck on their Christmas wish lists and now, they’re hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wild Card Weekend.  What could’ve been a matchup for the ages—streaking, upset hungry Broncos vs. a Super Bowl-favorite Steelers team—has been reduced thanks to the injury bug.  Thanks to the following battlefield casualties, fans are left to watch two teams limp into Sunday’s fight, but it’ll still be must-watch competition.

Brian Dawkins

According to the USA Today, Denver’s lone major injury could cost them the heart and soul of their defense.  Dawkins is questionable to play in the first round and such a loss would be a huge blow to the Broncos.  His stats don’t pop out at you, but his leadership on the football field cannot be underestimated.

Rashard Mendenhall

Pittsburgh is far worse off than the Broncos on the injury front and that begins with their starting halfback.  Mendenhall tore his ACL in the final game of the season and was placed on injured reserve by the Steelers.  Ben Roethlisberger will be forced to carry the offense up and down the field without the workhorse.

Ben Roethlisberger

Speaking of Big Ben, he’s listed as probable, but he’ll definitely play in Sunday’s action.  He re-aggravated his high ankle sprain in the Steelers’ season finale so fans may not see the mobile Roethlisberger they’re used to witnessing break away from pass rushers’ arm-tackles.  If he can’t scramble, Pittsburgh will need a big day from their defense to make up for their lack of offense.

LaMarr Woodley

Woodley's ability to shut down Tim Tebow and company will be a major part of that defense.  In just 10 games this season, the former Michigan Wolverine recorded nine sacks.  He hasn’t played the last two games because of an injured hamstring, but he’s probable for the Wild Card Game.

Ryan Clark

While the Steelers will field their All-World pass rusher, they will be without their starting safety.  Clark is out for the Broncos game with a sickle cell trait condition.  He finished the 2011 regular season as the Steelers’ leading tackler so with an already thin secondary, Clark is a major loss.

Maurkice Pouncey

Pittsburgh’s final key injury, their running game took another huge blow as Pouncey tweaked his high ankle sprain in practice on Wednesday.  Pouncey is listed as questionable for the contest and of course, losing the second-year pro would disrupt more than just their rushing attack.  He is the Steelers best offensive lineman and with a potentially immobile Roethlisberger, the QB will need all the protection that he can get.

David Daniels is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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