Watch sneaky Emmanuel Sanders save Pittsburgh Steelers a timeout

The last thing the Pittsburgh Steelers needed Sunday night was another injury.

At least that’s what one would think with the team already without so many key players -- including star safety Troy Polamalu, their top two running backs and two members of the offensive line -- for their “Sunday Night Football” game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

But it turns out an injury -- or perhaps the better way to phrase is “injury” -- to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders was just what the doctor ordered for the Steelers, who faced a third-and-11 with the play clock winding down midway through the fourth quarter.

Having already spent one timeout earlier in the half, Pittsburgh was not charged for another one since the officials called for an injury timeout.

NBC broadcasters Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth immediately questioned the legitimacy of Sanders’ ailment, as did others on Twitter.

Even with the clock stoppage, the Steelers ended up having to punt a play later anyway -- with Sanders of all people downing the ball at the Cincinnati 11.

Watch the video above and decide for yourself whether Sanders deserves applause for returning so soon after hurting himself or for an outstanding thespian performance.

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