The Pittsburgh Steelers hope to keep their winning ways going in Week 3. On Sunday, Mike Tomlin's team hosts the Chargers for their home opener at Acrisure Stadium. Like the Steelers, Los Angeles is 2-0 on the season and looking to contend in the AFC.
Surprisingly, these teams have been almost mirror images of each other in the first two weeks. Though the Chargers have found more success running the football than the Steelers, both teams have had elite defenses through two games and own the top two scoring defenses in the league -- each allowing eight points per game or fewer.
Pittsburgh could use every advantage they can get if they are to pull off another slugfest win. Fortunately for the Steelers, they are looking healthier than their opponent this week.
Steelers updated injury report Week 3
Player | Injury | Wed. | Thu. |
|---|---|---|---|
Russell Wilson, QB | Calf | LP | LP |
Roman Wilson, WR | Ankle | LP | FP |
Najee Harris, RB | NIR - Rest | DNP | FP |
Isaac Seumalo, OG | Pectoral | DNP | DNP |
MyCole Pruitt, TE | Knee | DNP | DNP |
T.J. Watt, EDGE | NIR - Rest | LP | FP |
Larry Ogunjobi, DT | Knee | LP | FP |
Cam Heyward, DL | NIR - Rest | - | DNP |
Russell Wilson remains sidelined with a calf injury. The veteran quarterback continues to take the field for limited action in individual work, but Coach Tomlin made it clear he's not ready to go. Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson is looking to get on the field for his first action after suffering an ankle injury on the first padded practice of training camp.
Once again, left guard Isaac Seumalo isn't expected to be ready to go this week, while tight end MyCole Pruitt will join him on the sidelines with a knee injury he sustained in Week 2. Larry Ogunjobi is limited with a knee but will play while Najee Harris and T.J. Watt got some time off early in the week to rest.
The Steelers may be hobbled, but their injuries are minor compared to what the Chargers are dealing with.
Chargers updated injury report Week 3
Position | Injury | Wed. | Thu. |
|---|---|---|---|
Joey Bosa, EDGE | Hip | LP | LP |
Junior Colson, LB | Hamstring | DNP | DNP |
Bud Dupree, EDGE | Illness | DNP | DNP |
Alohi Gilman, S | Knee | LP | LP |
Justin Herbert, QB | Ankle | DNP | LP |
Hayden Hurst, TE | Ankle | LP | LP |
Khalil Mack, EDGE | NIR - Rest | LP | FP |
Josh Palmer, WR | Elbow/Calf | DNP | DNP |
Ja'Sir Taylor, CB | Fibula | DNP | LP |
Nine players popped up on the injury report for LA to begin the week (though Khalil Mack was limited with rest). The biggest is the ankle injury for Justin Herbert. The star quarterback is expected to play but could be less mobile in Week 3 than we've been accustomed to seeing from him.
Additionally, four other Chargers didn't practice on Wednesday. Rookie linebacker Junior Colson is dealing with a hamstring issue, starting wide receiver Josh Palmer has both elbow and calf ailments and slot cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor has a fibula injury.
Meanwhile, former Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree missed practice early in the week as he deals with a sickness. Dupree is a part-time player and a shade of what he once was, but with Nick Bosa a bit banged up, they will need all hands on deck with edge rushers in Week 3.
Most of these players could be ready to go by Sunday, but the Chargers will be traveling across the country for an early 1:00 p.m. ET game in Week 3. It doesn't help that they are dealing with eight injuries this week.
The latest injury report looks like an advantage for the Pittsburgh Steelers.