PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers had a much better injury report on day two of practice than they did to start the week as they inch closer to their Week 16 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Opening up the practice week, the Steelers had nine players who missed or were limited in practice. On day two, that list was reduced to just four players. Quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle) and guard Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) were limited for a second consecutive day, while safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) and Trenton Thompson (neck) did not participate.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said Pickett will have another day to show his progress before the team decides on his availability against the Bengals. As of now, Mason Rudolph is the starter. The Steelers have already ruled out Fitzpatrick for Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Thompson is unlikely to play with two days of missed work, forcing the team to turn to practice squad member Eric Rowe and cornerback Patrick Peterson to work as their starters. Pittsburgh had running back Najee Harris (knee), safety Elijah Riley (ankle), offensive tackle Broderick Jones (ankle), tight end Pat Freiermuth (knee) and defensive tackle Cam Heyward (concussion) as full participants are missing some or all of practice yesterday.
The Steelers will host one more practice before releasing their final injury report. They have until Friday to activate Riley from Injured Reserve and clear Heyward from concussion protocol.