Football Outsiders' playoff odds give the Pittsburgh Steelers a 0.8 percent chance of reaching the postseason. Those odds just got a little bit longer with the loss of their best pass rusher.
The Steelers announced Tuesday that linebacker LaMarr Woodley has been placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering an injury to his right calf on the opening defensive series of Sunday's win over the Bengals. Woodley was returning to the lineup after missing three games with an injury to his left calf.
Jason Worilds has shined in Woodley's absence, generating four sacks, 18 hits and nine hurries since moving to left outside linebacker in Week 11. Rookie Jarvis Jones will take over on the right side for the final two games.
The front office will have a tough decision in the offseason, with Worilds reaching unrestricted free agency. Woodley will end the season missing a combined 14 games from 2011 to 2013 with calf, hamstring and ankle injuries.
The 29-year-old will finish his seventh NFL season with five sacks, eight hits and 24 hurries in 11 games. Due $8 million as part of a six-year, $61.5 million contract that he hasn't played up to, Woodley might be asked to accept a pay cut in the offseason.
*The latest "Around The League Podcast" broke down the Cowboys' loss and every other Week 15 game. *
