After seeing eight players unable to participate in Wednesday's practice, Steelers fans were hoping Pittsburgh's injury report on Thursday would offer more optimism. This wasn't the case.
While Cameron Heyward was added to the injury report due to a day of rest, fellow defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi showed up on the injury report on Thursday and was limited with a groin injury.
What's more concerning is that four players were still unable to take the field for practice -- two of whom are running backs.
No work again for Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 3, 2024
Larry Ogunjobi popped up with a groin injury today and was limited.
Nick Herbig upgraded from DNP to LP, while Keeanu Benton went from LP to FP pic.twitter.com/waUbbF1YoX
Jaylen Warren has been dealing with a hamstring injury since early in the preseason. Now a knee issue is preventing him from seeing the practice field. Meanwhile, Cordarrelle Patterson was having an impressive game against the Colts in Week 4 before leaving with an ankle injury.
With just one day of practice to go before the Steelers prepare to host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, the status of Pittsburgh's running back room is looking grim.
Najee Harris will shoulder the load for Steelers in Week 5
Najee Harris made headlines this week for his underwhelming performance against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4. Though he recorded a 32-yard reception, Harris earned just 19 yards on 13 carries (1.5 yards per carry).
This cringeworthy performance on the ground had fans criticizing Harris' on 'X' for his lack of vision and explosion against the Colts. Regardless of how you feel about Najee's from the backfield, the Steelers' injury report suggests they have very little choice on Sunday Night Football against the Cowboys.
Earlier in the week, the Steelers signed unproven running back Aaron Shampklin to the active roster -- a move that signified at least one of Patterson or Warren would miss Sunday's game.
With how things are progressing, it's looking like both Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson will not be able to suit up in Week 5 on SNF. Let's hope Najee and Shampklin will be enough to exploit a pedestrian Cowboys run defense with the nation watching.