The Steelers 2022 season has spun out of control rapidly, and the amount of injuries sustained this year has not helped matters at all.
As they head into the Eagles game, they face the same challenges they faced against Tampa Bay. Against Brady and company, they had to make do with a depleted secondary. Now they must face the Eagles with a potentially depleted defensive line.
DeMarvin Leal is out indefinitely, and Larry Ogunjobi and Montravius have question marks looming over their availability for Sunday. Plus, the Steelers will continue to go without their star edge rusher, T.J. Watt. Not an enticing proposition when you must face the only remaining undefeated team in the NFL, led by Jalen Hurts. Things could get ugly fast.
As the Steelers head to the Sunday matchup, here is the latest Steelers injury report.
Steve Sims WR: questionable (hamstring)
Sims missed the Dolphins game but appears poised to return to action from his hamstring injury. He had limited practice on Wednesday but returned to full practice on Thursday, indicating his injury has improved. Plus, the Steelers could be getting a fair amount of kickoff returns, but if Sims does return on Sunday, he could help give the Steelers good field position with his returns.
Ahkello Witherspoon CB: questionable (hamstring)
No doubt Witherspoon has been banged up the last few weeks due to his own hamstring. However, he had a full practice on Wednesday, which should pave the way for his return against the Eagles.
Pat Freiermuth TE: questionable (ankle)
Friermuth finds himself on the injury report for two straight weeks for separate injuries. He now has an ankle injury. Fans should not be alarmed. The injury does not appear serious, as Pat had limited practice on Wednesday and full practice Thursday. He should suit up for them on Sunday.
Larry Ogunjobi DT: questionable (Knee)
Wednesday’s injury report was not a positive sign for the Steelers defensive line. Larry Ogunjobi has had numerous injuries but has played through most of them. Not this week; he did not practice Wednesday, indicating he could miss time against the Eagles. However, the injury still hurts as Demarvin Leal is on the injury reserve list, and T. J. may still miss one more game.
Montravius Adams DT: questionable (hamstring)
In addition to the Ogunjobi injury, Montravius Adams has a hamstring issue, and he did not practice Wednesday, making it seem doubtful he might return. Yet miraculously had a full practice Thursday, indicating he should return Sunday.
Josh Jackson CB: questionable (groin)
Yet another injury to the Steelers defensive secondary. The good thing here is that all of the starters returned, assuming the Steelers clear Witherspoon to play. Jackson suffered a groin injury and missed practice Wednesday. He did get upgraded to a limited practice on Thursday. It paves the way for playing time on Sunday if the Steelers need to put in backups for any reason.
Levi Wallace CB: questionable (shoulder)
Levi Wallace has faced his share of injuries earlier and had returned to face the Dolphins, then injured his shoulder. It appears severe enough to keep him from playing, as he did not practice Wednesday. He also missed practice on Thursday. It seems he will miss another week unless he gets a full practice on Friday, which seems unlikely.
If any players that didn’t practice return, that could change the dynamics of the injury report; we will have to wait and see. You can always check the Steelers website for the latest injury news about the Steelers or Eagles.