Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel (99) looks at the scoreboard during the third quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers veteran defensive end Brett Keisel came into the team’s Thanksgiving game against the Baltimore Ravens with plantar fasciitis, and he suffered a setback on the painful injury during the game. Keisel was forced to leave the game, and the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that Keisel would miss “some time”. He was never expected to play in this week’s game against the Miami Dolphins, and the severity of the injury can be seen by the fact that the Steelers have already ruled Keisel out of this week’s game.

It’s only Tuesday and the Steelers don’t face the Dolphins until Sunday, but the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ed Bouchette is reporting that Mike Tomlin has already ruled Brett Keisel out. Also, offensive linemen Kelvin Beachum and star David DeCastro are questionable with injuries this week, which could mitigate a banged-up Le’Veon Bell’s, who actually has a good shot at playing this week, ability to get things going on the ground.

Keisel will likely be out for a couple of more weeks, and an aggravated plantar fasciitis is not an injury for a 35-year-old to take lightly. He’s a key part of the Steelers defense and is still very good against the run, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Steelers shut down Keisel for the remainder of the season if they are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. He’s tough and will do whatever he can to return, but the Steelers shouldn’t risk playing him if they are eliminated.

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