The Pittsburgh Steelers might be without guard Kevin Dotson for their upcoming preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons. Dotson, who suffered a right shoulder injury during camp, has not been in uniform less than 30 minutes to kickoff. This could hinder his chances of being showcased for potential trade interest.
The 26-year-old Dotson, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, has been demoted from a starter to a backup, working with the second-team at both guard spots throughout the summer. It’s worth noting that Dotson started all 17 games for the Steelers last season, highlighting his importance to the team.
However, with the injury preventing Dotson from playing in the preseason finale, it could give other teams interested in acquiring him pause. The inability to showcase his skills and the uncertainty surrounding his injury might deter potential suitors. Furthermore, Dotson’s absence from the game could hinder the Steelers’ ability to evaluate his performance and make an informed decision about his future with the team.
It remains unclear why guard James Daniels is also not suiting up for the preseason finale. Daniels, who started all 17 games for the team at right guard in 2022, has not been reported injured, but the Steelers are not obligated to issue an injury report. Assuming this absence is minor, Daniels is expected to retain his position at right guard for Week One against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Steelers’ decision to sit Dotson and Daniels raises questions about the team’s strategy and roster decisions heading into the regular season. The preseason serves as an important opportunity for players to showcase their skills and earn their spot on the roster. However, injuries and other factors can sometimes impact these decisions, leaving teams with limited information to make informed choices.
As the Steelers’ preseason finale approaches, fans and observers will be eagerly watching how the team’s offensive line performs without Dotson and Daniels. It remains to be seen how the absence of these two players will impact the overall performance of the team. Coaches and management will have a challenging task ahead as they assess the roster and make crucial decisions before the regular season begins.
In conclusion, Kevin Dotson’s absence from the Steelers’ preseason finale due to a shoulder injury could potentially hinder the team’s ability to showcase him for potential trade interest. The injury might also give teams interested in trading for him pause. Additionally, the absence of James Daniels further adds to the speculation surrounding the team’s strategy and roster decisions. As the regular season approaches, the Steelers will need to carefully evaluate their options and make informed choices regarding their offensive line.
