Steelers linebacker is questionable for matchup vs. his former team

Baltimore and Pittsburgh are set for the first of two critical late-season matchups, and the Steelers could be without three key defensive contributors. Inside linebacker Patrick Queen suffered a hip injury late in the second quarter of the 26-7 loss to Buffalo. Initially announced by the team as questionable to return, early in the third quarter, the Steelers announced that Queen would miss the rest of the game. Queen led the Steelers in tackles last season after joining the team on a lucrative deal following his departure from the Ravens. Sunday, Buffalo had 249 rushing yards, the most by an opponent in Pittsburgh in more than 50 years.

“He wasn’t able to run,” coach Mike Tomlin said, “so he wasn’t allowed to come back into the game.”

Five snaps later, cornerback James Pierre suffered a concussion. Though Pierre returned to the game briefly, he was later announced as out. This news comes on the heels of Pittsburgh ruling defensive tackle Derrick Harmon out for this contest.

Pierre made his third consecutive start at outside cornerback in place of veteran Darius Slay. Slay suffered a concussion during a Nov. 9 loss at the Los Angeles Chargers and missed the following game. Slay was a healthy inactive.

Asante Samuel stepped in for Pierre against Buffalo, after the five-year NFL starter, who had offseason neck surgery, was signed to the Steelers’ practice squad on Nov. 12.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Patrick Queen could miss game vs. Ravens in Week 14 with glute injury