The Pittsburgh Steelers logged their first practice of the week Wednesday in preparation for Week 17’s showdown with the Seattle Seahawks, with several notable names popping up on the initial injury report.
Let’s take a full look at the Steelers injury report to start the week.
Steelers injury report: Wednesday, December 27
DNP: RB Najee Harris (knee), S Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee), LB Elandon Roberts (pectoral), OG Isaac Seumalo (shoulder)
Limited: QB Kenny Pickett (ankle), S Trenton Thompson (neck)
Four starters missed practice to start the week, though none of them are a huge surprise at this point in the week.
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick
remained a non-participant in Wednesday’s practice, dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of Week 16’s contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s somewhat of a surprising update, as HC Mike Tomlin noted he’d likely start out the week with a “limited” designation, though there’s plenty of time through the remainder of the week to increase his participation.
While running back Najee Harris (knee) and starting left guard Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) were also listed as non-participants Wednesday, this is likely more of a “maintenance” off day than a sign that there’s any concern for their availability in Week 17. They’ve each been managing their respective injuries for several weeks and have had their practice reps limited.
Finally, linebacker Elandon Roberts was also listed as a non-participant, who was already ruled out by Tomlin during his regular Tuesday press conference.
Limited to start the week were quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle) and safety Trenton Thompson (neck). While Tomlin said the team is preparing to start Mason Rudolph on the week, Pickett did say to the media Wednesday that he feels like he “could play,” which begs the question — which quarterback will Tomlin roll with, should Pickett be cleared to return against the Seahawks?
