Mike Tomlin apparently likes to toy with our emotions when it comes to the Steelers' injury report. Because of the short week, Pittsburgh held their first practice in preparation for Week 16 on Tuesday when five players were absent due to injuries.
After Wednesday's practice, things looked equally as bleak. George Pickens, DeShon Elliott, Donte Jackson, and Justin Fields missed their second straight day of practice while a visibly hobbled T.J. Watt participated in limited fashion.
Thankfully, we finally received some inspiring news on Thursday. Following Pittsburgh's final practice of the week, the team released its last practice report ahead of the Steelers' Saturday road matchup against the Ravens.
Two players have been ruled out, with one player doubtful and two more questionable for this contest. Here's the final Steelers injury report for Week 16.
Final Steelers injury report:
Player | Position | Injury | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Game status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Justin Fields | QB | Abdominal | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
Patrick Queen | LB | NIR - Rest | DNP | FP | FP | - |
George Pickens | WR | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
DeShon Elliott | S | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | LP | Doubtful |
Donte Jackson | CB | Back | DNP | DNP | LP | Questionable |
Elandon Roberts | LB | NIR - Rest | - | DNP | FP | - |
T.J. Watt | EDGE | Ankle | DNP | LP | FP | - |
Cam Heyward | DL | NIR - Rest | DNP | DNP | FP | - |
Larry Ogunjobi | DL | Groin | LP | LP | LP | Questionable |
As we speculated, star wide receiver George Pickens will miss his third straight game since suffering a Grade 2 hamstring injury. Though he was seen doing some individual work, Pickens wasn't able to practice with the team this week and will miss this pivotal AFC North contest against the Ravens on Saturday.
In addition to Pickens being out, starting safety DeShon Elliott is doubtful after missing the Eagles' game with a hamstring. Meanwhile, Donte Jackson (back) and Larry Ogunjobi (groin) are both questionable this week after logging a limited practice on Thursday.
This injury report looks discouraging on the surface, but fans can breathe a sigh of relief that T.J. Watt has no injury designation and will be good to go for Saturday. This comes just hours after Watt was non-commital about taking the field this week.
Watt went down with a lower ankle injury late in the fourth quarter against the Eagles in Week 15 and his status for Week 16 was in jeopardy prior to the final Steelers injury report.
The Steelers won't be at full strength and their offensive struggles could continue without Pickens in the lineup. However, having Watt was essential for Pittsburgh to stand a chance to steal a road win against the Ravens. Mike Tomlin's defense has been brilliant when it comes to slowing down quarterback Lamar Jackson and Watt happens to be the MVP's kryptonite.
We've seen much more encouraging injury reports than the one the Steelers threw at us this week. It's hard to say if Pittsburgh will be able to emerge victorious in another game without George Pickens, but T.J. Watt's presence was a much-needed ahead of Week 16. Let's hope it's enough.