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Could Special Teams Injuries Decide Steelers vs. Commanders?

By Anthony Licciardi

Could Special Teams Injuries Decide Steelers vs. Commanders?

The Pittsburgh Steelers will head to Landover as slight underdogs against the red-hot Washington Commanders on Sunday, needing a few fortunate breaks to escape with a victory.

Before kickoff, it seems like those developments have already begun.

Pittsburgh won't have to face Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore, a star who was acquired at the trade deadline. Washington will also be without running back Brian Robinson, who's been one of its most consistent offensive performers.

These injuries could leave a mark on Sunday's contest, but it might be on special teams where their impact looms largest.

Commanders kicker Austin Seibert is questionable for the Week 10 affair with a right hip injury. He did not practice on Wednesday and was limited the rest of the week. That alone would be an area of concern for Washington. But on Saturday, long snapper Tyler Ott was added to the injury report, too, with an illness.

It's unclear if Ott will get the green light. But if he doesn't, significant continuity issues will threaten the Commanders.

Kicking is a delicate game. There aren't 32 quality kickers in the league, and when the snapper or holder makes life more difficult, things can get messy. Throw in a backup kicker and a backup long snapper and Washington would practically be asking for a disaster to unfold.

The Commanders found themselves on the right side of a special teams catastrophe in Week 2, when New York Giants kicker Graham Gano was injured on the opening kickoff, leaving an unprepared New York with only punter Jamie Gillan to kick field goals. After he missed an extra point, the Giants reverted to going for it on fourth down and attempting two-point conversions. They lost, 21-18, despite scoring three touchdowns compared to seven field goals.

Related: Steelers' 3 Keys To Beating Commanders

It's possible Washington is far less fortunate this time around.

This only adds more to the Steelers' paths to an upset. Having already boasted a legitimate special teams advantage - both the punting and kicking game are among the best in the sport - any potential drop-off furthers the distance between these two units.

In a game that seems likely to come down to one possession, every play matters. Whether it's a missed field goal or a difference in field position, the opportunity may be present for Pittsburgh to win this game on special teams. Doing so would help assert the Steelers as true contenders down the stretch.

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