ORCHARD PARK, Pa. – Inside linebacker Robert Spillane was a late scratch for Sunday’s Pittsburgh Steelers season opener.
Spillane suffered a shin injury during warm-ups at Highmark Stadium, according to the team, so he will not play against the Buffalo Bills. Spillane is the top backup at both inside linebacker positions.
Spillane’s injury means that fourth-round pick Buddy Johnson is in uniform, making for seven rookies to play in the season opener – a first under Mike Tomlin in his 15 seasons as coach. Eight draft picks made the team, the most since 2010, but never had more than six rookies dressed for the season’s first game.
The only rookie who was scratched was fifth-round defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk.
The newest member of the organization also will not play. Nine days after being acquired in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon is not in uniform for Sunday’s game. One of five true cornerbacks on the 53-man roster, Witherspoon was the odd man out among a group that includes starters Cameron Sutton and Joe Haden and reserves James Pierre and Justin Layne.
No. 3 quarterback Dwayne Haskins and offensive lineman Rashaad Coward are other healthy scratches.
Starting outside linebacker Alex Highsmith will play. He had been listed as questionable after the final practice of the week Friday.
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