The Steelers will be without a starter on both sides of the ball when they travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars Sunday at TIAA Bank Field.

Marcus Gilbert will miss his fourth straight game, ruled out with a knee injury, while Stephon Tuitt will miss his first game of the season with an elbow injury. Both players were held out of practice all week.

With Gilbert out, Matt Feiler will make his fourth start at right tackle and his teammates like what he brings to the table.

"It's huge. It's really important," said David DeCastro. "It's similar to Chris Hubbard last year. A guy that has been here for a while. He has the capability but hadn't had the chance to show it. With Gil getting a little banged up he had to step in. Coach (Mike) Tomlin always preaches next man up and Matt has taken advantage of it. No one is surprised because he is so talented."

Feiler, who has been with the Steelers since 2015 including time on the practice squad, has benefited from learning until offensive line coach Mike Munchak while he has waited for an opportunity.

"Guys who have been here, under Munch for a while, have improved every year, you expect this," said DeCastro. "I am not surprised at all. It's expected and is the standard."

With Tuitt sidelined this week, Tyson Alualu is expected to get the start at right defensive end. Alualu started five games last season, but the veteran hasn't been called upon to start this season as Tuitt has been healthy.

"You always have to have the mentality that you are going to be ready when your number is called and just don't miss a beat," said Alualu. "I want to do what I can to help the team win. I know it's a part of my job, to always be ready, prepared as if I am going to go out there. It was good to get the reps this week to be ready."

James Conner was a full participant all week and will once again be a key for the offense.

"He does it every week," said Ben Roethlisberger. "He's putting it on tape he keeps getting better. I think we know what he can do running the ball, but to me I think he's getting better and better at pass protection and catching the ball out of the backfield. You saw potential, but you just didn't know what until he got on the field more."