The Pittsburgh Steelers listed Michael Pittman Jr. as a nonparticipant Thursday, and Mike McCarthy said the receiver’s foot setback will keep him out for multiple weeks. Pittman was limited on Wednesday’s Colts week report, but his return to practice didn’t last. He’ll miss Sunday’s game against the team that traded him to Pittsburgh.
The Steelers’ updated injury report shows Jalen Ramsey improving from a Wednesday absence to limited work with his wrist injury. Jamel Dean missed a second straight practice with an ankle injury, while Rico Dowdle remained limited with his toe. Cameron Heyward returned fully after a rest day. Friday’s report will carry the final game designations; Thursday’s participation alone doesn’t clear Ramsey or rule out Dean.
Player | Position | Injury | Wed. | Thur. | Fri. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jalen Ramsey | CB | Wrist | DNP | LP | |
Rico Dowdle | RB | Toe | LP | LP | |
Michael Pittman Jr. | CB | Foot | LP | DNP | |
Jamel Dean | CB | Ankle | DNP | DNP | |
Cameron Heyward | DT | NIR/Rest | DNP | FP | |
DeShon Elliott* | S | Knee | - | LP |
* Injured reserve - designated for return
Pittman’s absence is the most concrete lineup news, even before an official designation. McCarthy said the team is still evaluating his roster situation, so he could still land on injured reserve. For now, though, the Steelers have to prepare for more than one game without the veteran they brought in to play opposite DK Metcalf.
Pittsburgh Steelers need Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard to take on more
Roman Wilson has already given Aaron Rodgers a downfield option, including a 49-yard catch against Cleveland. He’s a sensible choice for more work while Pittman is out. Rookie Germie Bernard also has a clearer path to receiver snaps. Neither has to be Pittman, but Pittsburgh does need them to keep defenses from loading up on Metcalf.
Pittman caught an underwhelming seven passes for 89 yards through three games. Subpar, but his size and experience still gave the Steelers another option when a play called for a contested catch or a first down underneath. Wilson’s speed offers something different; Bernard’s opportunity now comes with the job of earning Rodgers’ trust in games that count.
Ramsey’s limited return gives Patrick Graham a better chance of keeping some flexibility in the secondary against Indianapolis. Dean’s second absence still leaves outside corner uncertain after Pittsburgh added Sean Murphy-Bunting and Terell Smith this week. DeShon Elliott also practiced on a limited basis, but his return from injured reserve requires a separate roster activation before he can play.
Friday will tell us whether Ramsey, Dean, and Dowdle carry game designations into Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff. As for Pittman, the Steelers have to decide whether to keep a roster spot open for his recovery or place him on injured reserve.
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