A staple cartridge (40) includes outer and inner rows of retention slots (60) that are adapted and configured to retain staples (50). The staple cartridge (40) further includes a staple pusher (160) including a plurality of pusher plates (166). A staple pusher (160) includes pusher plates (166) that are laterally spaced apart to engage staples (50) within the outer rows (R1,R2,R3) of at least three rows of retention slots (60).
