Steelers Lose Two RBs, Brady to Play Against the Bucs
In a NFL preseason already full of many injuries, the Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1) were the latest victims on Thursday as their two top running backs went down in practice, rookie Le’Veon Bell and Isaac Redman. On the previous day, the two had been listed as co-starters on the team’s depth chart.
And for Bell, this comes before he’s even had a carry in an NFL game. Yes, expectations are very high for him.
Le’Veon Bell
After already battling a knee injury that kept him out of the first preseason game, Bell re-aggravated it in practice when he ran a stretch play and then fell onto a group of players. He laid on the field for a few minutes and then eventually walked off the practice field.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he was not concerned but added via the Post Gazette,”He’ll be evaluated shortly and we’ll have more information regarding his status once we get that evaluation.”
The second running back to go down was Redman. He suffered a stinger after he was hit by linebacker Larry Foote. The seriousness of the injury is unknown.
As for who is left on the running back depth chart, there’s still Jonathan Dwyer. He’s a four-year veteran and in 2012, he had 156 carries for 623 yards and two touchdowns.
Next up for the Steelers in preseason play, is the Washington Redskins (1-0) on Monday. There hasn’t been too much chatter this season so far about Pittsburgh. They sit with a regular season win total at nine games (-115 o/u) and +2800 to win the 2014 Super Bowl.
Brady Returns to Practice, Will Play on Friday
Patriots Nation breathed a loud sigh of relief on Thursday as its New England Patriots (1-0) quarterback Tom Brady returned to practice after suffering a minor knee injury on Wednesday. He underwent an MRI and it did not show any structural damage.
Tom Brady
Brady was wearing a knee brace but he did not have any limitations on Thursday. He is expected to play on Friday.
For the player, he suffered knee problems in 2008. Brady had a torn ACL and underwent surgery. He does wear a sleeve on the knee, including on Wednesday, but not the brace he wears during games.
With all of the injuries, drama and change this team has undergone this year, an injured Brady would not be a good thing. You have to think that Patriots fans don’t want to see either Ryan Mallett or Tim Tebow on the field in Brady’s absence.
For Friday’s game against the Bucs, the Patriots get the win (-3, 40.5 o/u).
Friday’s AFC Games
The Buffalo Bills (1-0) will take on the Minnesota Vikings (0-1). On Wednesday, Bills coach Doug Marrone said Kevin Kolb will get the starting nod as quarterback. In Week 1, rookie E.J. Manuel got his turn and his coach said of the Week 2 change, via NFL.com, “Just the one thing I hope everyone understands is not to read in to this because we were very, very happy with EJ (Manuel)’s performance in the first game.”
Buffalo gets the win (-3.5, 43 o/u).
The Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) will play the San Francisco 49ers (0-1). Both teams are looking for their first wins and so far, the Chiefs are coming together nicely under their new coach Andy Reid and quarterback Alex Smith. There appears to be a lovefest between the two but how this translates to wins remains to be seen. The Chiefs have a slight advantage for the win (-1.5, 40 o/u).
The Oakland Raiders (1-0) will play the New Orleans Saints (1-0). On Thursday, news came out that Raiders left tackle Jared Veldheer will have surgery on his partially torn triceps on Friday. This is typically a three-month recovery period. Alex Barron will step in for Veldheer.
He’ll be missed as the Saints get the win (-6.5, 42.5 o/u).
