ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Five Steelers players are inactive for Sunday’s 2021 season opener against the Bills on Sunday while no players were elevated from the practice squad for the game.
Quarterback Dwayne Haskins, rookie defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk, newly acquired cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon and guard Rashaad Coward will not dress for the Steelers.
The Steelers will dress just two quarterbacks, Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph, five inside linebackers, five defensive linemen, five cornerbacks and five interior offensive linemen.
Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, who was removed from the team’s injury report on Saturday, is active and expected to start.
The Bills scratched running back Zach Moss, defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, defensive end Boogie Basham, tackle Tommy Doyle and linebacker Andre Smith. Lotulelei will miss the game with a calf injury.
Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, listed as questionable with a calf injury, is dressed.
Update, 12:07 p.m: inside linebacker Robert Spillane has been scratched after injuring his shin in pregame warmups. Buddy Johnson, who was initially scratched, will dress instead.