1 week Ago By Anthony G. Halkias II, Steeler Nation
The Pittsburgh Steelers headed into their Week 1 clash with the Atlanta Falcons as four-point underdogs . Just before kickoff, starting quarterback Russell Wilson was ruled out, and Justin Fields was named the starter. While the Steelers' offense struggled to find the end zone, it showed signs of reliability.
In a surprising turn, the Steelers defeated the Falcons 18-10. Now, they are gearing up to face the Denver Broncos in Week 2. This game holds special significance for Wilson, who spent the last two seasons with the Broncos.
Despite a solid 2023 season, Wilson was scapegoated for the team's failures, leading the Broncos to pay him millions to part ways. Fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown between Wilson and his former team. However, Wilson's injury status casts doubt on his availability for the game.
Adding to the intrigue, senior NFL reporter James Palmer has revealed that Broncos starting left tackle Garett Bolles sustained an ankle injury during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, potentially giving the Steelers a significant advantage. Broncos are waiting on an MRI on LT Garett Bolles. The ultra durable LT went down Sunday with an ankle injury.
Denver's OL was remarkably healthy last year and needs to be this season as well protecting a rookie QB. Bolles, the 20th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, has been a steadfast presence on the Broncos' offensive line for eight seasons. Known for his reliability and consistency, Bolles has anchored the left tackle position with dedication and skill.
Unfortunately, he sustained an ankle injury in a recent game against the Seahawks, casting uncertainty on his availability for upcoming game against the Steelers. For the Broncos, whose offense is now being led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix, Bolles' health is crucial. Transitioning to the NFL is notoriously challenging for rookies, and having a fully healthy offensive line is essential to provide Nix with the protection he needs to succeed.
If Bolles is unable to play, it could significantly tilt the advantage towards the Steelers. While no one wishes for injuries, the harsh reality of the NFL is that every team faces them, and the team that can maintain better health often gains a strategic edge. Considering Watt’s impressive performance against the Falcons, Bolles' absence could create a substantial disadvantage for the Broncos.
Watt, along with Alex Highsmith and the rest of the Steelers' defense, could exploit any weaknesses in the Broncos' offensive protection, making it increasingly difficult for Nix to perform effectively. MRI and X-Ray were both negative. That's the positive for Bolles.
https://t.co/GFHXgFitXs Steeler Nation will closely watch the injury report leading up to their game against the Broncos. Palmer reported that the MRI's for Bolles came back negative.
It's not known at this time if he will play or not against the Steelers, but that's a positive sign for Denver. Bolles is dealing with an ankle contusion. While no one wishes injury upon anyone, they are an inevitable part of the game, and it's a next-man-up league.
If Bolles is sidelined, expect Watt, Highsmith, and others to exploit that backup spot for an easier path to the quarterback. Steelers Have Their Own Key Injury Concerns The Steelers also face their own injury concerns. Roman Wilson is still sidelined with an ankle injury, new punter Cam Johnston is out for the season , and Isaac Seumalo will be unavailable for a few more weeks due to his pectoral injury.
While Seumalo’s absence is a significant blow, the offensive line performed well in the opener and will aim to build on that success throughout the season. The Steelers will look forward to getting Seumalo back in their starting lineup. This article first appeared on SteelerNation.
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