Illness leaves Steelers’ Vance McDonald questionable for Sunday; Mike Hilton doubtful

Tight end Vance McDonald was a surprise late-week add to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ official injury report. An undisclosed illness left the veteran listed as questionable to play in Sunday’s game at the Dallas Cowboys.

There is no reason to believe McDonald’s illness is coronavirus-related. If it was, the Steelers would be required by the NFL to put him on the reserve/covid-19 list.

Also, it appears as if the Steelers will be without slot cornerback Mike Hilton for the third consecutive game. Hilton never made it through a full practice all week as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury suffered during a win against the Cleveland Browns last month.

Another player doubtful is veteran backup interior offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski, who was activated off injured reserve this week as he continues to recover from a pectoral injury.

The only player who certainly will not play against Dallas is veteran defensive lineman Tyson Alualu, who was expected to miss 1-2 weeks after suffering a knee ligament injury during last week’s win at Baltimore.

Isaiah Buggs is expected to fill his role as the No. 3 defensive lineman after being a full participant in practice Friday. A knee injury limited Buggs’ work this week. Starter Cameron Heyward also was cleared to play despite a quadriceps injury.

Special teams captain Jordan Dangerfield return to action after missing the Ravens game because of a quad injury,

Cameron Sutton is again expected to fill Hilton’s role in the widely-used nickel package. If McDonald cannot play, No. 3 tight end Zach Gentry would be active for the first time this season. The 2019 fifth-round pick had one catch in four games as a rookie last season.

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