Pittsburgh Steelers injury report: Remaining questions on defensive end

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping for the best on the defensive side of the ball when it comes to injuries in their first playoff game.

Overcoming a Jacksonville Jaguars team that embarrassed the Steelers during the regular season is going to take a complete squad. Pittsburgh will need all their stars on the field during their first playoff showdown this Sunday. Unfortunately, they may be without a few on defense.

Injury Report

Pittsburgh Steelers

Did Not Participate

CB Artie Burns (Knee)

DT Javon Hargrave (Back)

DE Stephon Tuitt (Elbow)

Full Participation

WR Antonio Brown (Calf)

G B.J. Finney (Thigh)

Jacksonville Jaguars

Did Not Participate

LB Blair Brown (Ankle)

Limited Participation

CB Jalen Ramsey (Achilles)

CB Aaron Colvin (Illness)

LB Telvin Smith (Ankle)

LB Paul Posluszny (Abdomen)

WR Jaydon Mickens (Hamstring)

Full Participation

QB Blake Bortles (Right Wrist)

FB Tommy Bohanon (Knee)

LB Donald Payne (Quad)

TE Mercedes Lewis (Ankle)

DT Abry Jones (Achilles)

The Steelers did get great news with Antonio Brown returning to practice this week. The star wide receiver hasn’t played a game since Week 15, but should be on the field Sunday for his first return to action. Looking at his NFL-leading season through 15 weeks, there’s little question Brown will miss a step in his first game back.

Pittsburgh will hope to have everyone on the field against Jacksonville. Heading into the game a strong touchdown favorite, this team should remain confident with or without their defensive stars.

Jacksonville is coming off a tough win over the Buffalo Bills. With some momentum behind them, this should be one of the better matchups of the Divisional Round.

Next: 5 key players to make or break Divisional Round

For Pittsburgh, this is the first of two redemption games they hope to win on their journey to the Super Bowl. With guys like Burns and Tuitt on the field, this road becomes a lot easier.