Steelers could be missing some key starters against the Chiefs

The Pittsburgh Steelers first injury report of the week Wednesday was rather, err, interesting, as five players sat on the first day of the week.

Steelers injury report (Wednesday)

• QB Ben Roethlisberger (right elbow) - did not practice
• CB Joe Haden (hamstring) - did not practice
• G David DeCastro (hand) - did not practice
• DE Tyson Alualu (shoulder) - did not practice
• DT Cameron Heyward (knee) - did not practice
• TE Vance McDonald (foot) - full

Roethlisberger, Haden and Heyward appearing on the report are worth monitoring, but SB Nation’s Behind the Steel Curtain said that was expected. It’s worth noting that Alualu is Heyward’s backup.

Roethlisberger is dealing with an elbow issue, but he mentioned that Wednesdays during the season could wind up being a usual day off for him, anyway. In the unexpected case it isn’t Big Ben, the Steelers backup is second-year quarterback Joshua Hobbs.

Haden suffered a mild hamstring pull against the Cleveland Browns.

DeCastro, who is dealing with a fractured right hand, is the Steelers starting right guard. He told reporters he would feel comfortable in the game even if he couldn’t practice this week, but DeCastro’s injury is definitely also worth monitoring.

Allen Bailey, Justin Houston or Dee Ford going up against B.J. Finney rather than DeCastro could be a nice matchup for the Chiefs.