The Pittsburgh Steelers have been without playmaking linebacker Robert Spillane for the past four games but could get him back just when they need him. Spillane suffered a knee injury versus the Washington Football Team and was placed on injured reserve.
In his weekly press conference, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spoke of the significance of having both Spillane and offensive lineman Matt Feiler could back in time for Browns matchup. “The inclusion, or potential inclusion, of those guys is exciting,” said Tomlin. “But it also creates some challenges from a decision-making standpoint because we feel like we have some options. The guys who have played in place of those guys have done some good work for us. That’s a good problem to have as we prepare this week.”
Rookie guard Kevin Dotson has played in place of Feiler, who was struggling mightily after moving from tackle to guard in the offseason, and the offensive line has performed better because of it.
Linebacker Avery Williamson, who the Steelers signed after Devin Bush went down for the season, has been hot and cold. Williamson will continue to rotate in, as he did prior to Spillane’s injury, but there’s no way Williamson starts if Spillane is healthy.
Dotson, on the other hand, cannot and should not be supplanted by Feiler.
