The Steelers have had many injuries in the last two weeks. Most occurred Jets game, and many Steelers defensive starters missed the Tampa Bay game.
The injury list before the Tampa game seemed so long that it made Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” seem like light reading. Except for Terrell Edmunds, every other starting defensive back missed the game. Then on top of everything else, Kenny Pickett suffered a concussion and missed half of the Tampa game. No one gave the Steelers much of a chance against Tom Brady and Tampa Bay, yet they shocked everyone and knocked off the Buccaneers.
The injury report has improved significantly as the Steelers head to the Sunday night game with Miami. Most starters should return, which means that all things being equal, might give them a chance to knock off the Dolphins and a second straight game.
Here is the current Steelers injury report for Pittsburgh’s game against the Miami Dolphins game:
Steve Sims WR: questionable (hamstring)
Steven Sims had an impressive game against Tampa and now holds the Steelers record for the longest kickoff return not to go for a touchdown. He missed Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practice. He may likely miss the Dolphins game. The question is will Mike Tomlin bring back Gunner Olszewski for kickoff and punt returns in his absence?
Cam Heyward DL: questionable (coaches decision)
Do not read much into this. Cameron Heyward is one of those vets, who can take a day off and not have it affect him much. Like Tomlin did with Big Ben in weekly practices near the end of his career. Heyward should be fine for Sunday.
James Pierre CB: questionable (hip)
Oddly, James Pierre did not show up on the Wednesday report of having missed practice, yet he had a limited practice on Thursday. If he has a limited practice on Friday, he could potentially miss the game. However, as long as he practices, he should be available Sunday.
Kenny Pickett QB: questionable (concussion)
Have no fears. Pickett has exited concussion protocol and will be the starter against Miami. When we saw Pickett leave the field Sunday, he did not have that dazed look some concussion victims have, not that that means much. But the quick turnaround from Sunday to Wednesday signifies the concussion must have been relatively mild. Look for Pickett to start Sunday.
Cam Sutton CB: questionable (hamstring)
If we had Cameron Sutton against Tampa Bay, the game might not have been that close. Nonetheless, he was back to full practice on Thursday, meaning the Steelers should clear him to play against the Dolphins.
Ahkello Witherspoon CB: questionable (hamstring)
Like Sutton, Ahkello Witherspoon had a limited practice Wednesday and a full practice Thursday. He should as well return to action against the Dolphins.
Minkah Fitzpatrick S: questionable (knee)
Here’s another player who was sorely missed in the Tampa game; however, he should make his return to face the team that traded him to Pittsburgh. After limited practice on Wednesday, Minkah Fitzpatrick returned to a full practice Thursday. He should make a huge difference against Miami on Sunday Night.
Myles Jack LB: questionable (ankle)
Myles Jack injured his ankle and had limited practice on Wednesday but returned to full practice meaning it was not serious, and he should miss no time against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Mason Cole OL: questionable (ankle/foot)
Mason Cole has gotten banged up the last few weeks but seems no worse for wear. Although the Steelers held him to a limited practice on Wednesday, he returned to a full practice Thursday, so it seems he should be ready to go when the referees blow the whistle for kickoff.
James Daniel OL: questionable (ankle)
Despite having limited practice on Wednesday, the injury was not severe for James Daniels, and he returned to full practice on Thursday; thus, the good news for the offensive line is that it should be totally healthy come kickoff on Sunday.
Pat Freiermuth TE: questionable (concussion)
Unlike Kenny Pickett, Pat Freiermuth missed a full game against Tampa. He has since returned to full practice and is out of concussion protocol. His return will give Pickett the extra target option, as the two have some good chemistry building.
Chris Wormley DL: questionable (ankle)
Another non-injury the Steelers listed mainly as a precaution; Chris Wormley returned to full practice on Thursday; thus, he should not miss time for Sunday’s game.
Larry Ogunjobi DT: questionable (Knee)
Another player banged up recently; Larry Ogunjobi has been in and out frequently. First having back issues and now knee injuries, it does not look like they are serious enough to prevent him from playing vs. the Dolphins. He returned to full practice on Thursday. No doubt that Ogunjobi has made several key plays for the defense.
As opposed to last week, nearly everyone should return as most of the injuries have only been short-term injuries except rookie DeMarvin Leal, who ended up on the injured reserve last week. As the game nears, keep an eye on the Steelers official injury report for any last-minute adjustments.