Steelers fans knew this December stretch wouldn't be easy, but they certainly hoped it would simply be difficult on a competitive level rather than dealing with injuries.
For the past two weeks, the Steelers have been without George Pickens as he deals with a hamstring injury. His absence has disrupted the offense to a critical degree. Without his explosive play threat, Pittsburgh's offense has struggled to be productive.
Defensively, the absence of DeShon Elliott has shifted the defense as Minkah Fitzpatrick has played closer to the line of scrimmage. As a result, the Steelers' pass coverage was lackluster against Philadelphia.
The biggest concern is, of course, the status of TJ Watt. He suffered an ankle injury against the Eagles that could impact his performance if he's able to play against the Ravens. Luckily the Steelers have strong depth on the edge to play in his place, though no one quite matches his impact.
Full Inactives List for Steelers in Week 16
Player | Status |
|---|---|
George Pickens | Out - Hamstring |
DeShon Elliott | Out - Hamstring |
Justin Fields | Out - Abdomen |
Donte Jackson | Out - Back |
Larry Ogunjobi | Out - Groin |
Offensive Impacts
George Pickens will miss his third consecutive game and the Steelers will hope to have him for a Christmas Day matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, though failing to log a single practice doesn't bode well.
The Steelers will need more out of their receivers against Baltimore. Against the Eagles, Pittsburgh's receivers failed to crack 100 yards. They can't replicate that performance against the Ravens and expect to win.
Backup quarterback Justin Fields will also be out for this game. This is, of course, only significant if Russell Wilson exits the game due to an injury of his own. Fields typically checks in for a few snaps per game, but it isn't an aspect of the offense that will make too much of an impact to play without.
Defensive Impacts
DeShon Elliott will also sit out this game with a hamstring injury of his own. Damontae Kazee will check in for him this week, though Minkah Fitzpatrick will continue to fill his role in the defense, playing closer to the line of scrimmage in run support.
Donte Jackson will miss this game after suffering a back injury against Philadelphia. Cory Trice Jr. will get a helmet this week, but James Pierre will pick up the snaps in place of Jackson. Pierre isn't the most consistent player, so expect Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to look his way often.
Thankfully, T.J. Watt will be active. It's possible he doesn't play a full helping of snaps, especially with that date with Kansas City coming in just four days. Expect to see a bit more of Nick Herbig and Preston Smith on running downs.
Full inactives list for Ravens in Week 16
Player | Status |
|---|---|
Jayln Armour-Davis | Out - Hamstring |
Nelson Agholor | Out - Concussion |
Marcus Williams | Inactive |
Keaton Mitchell | Inactive |
Adisa Isaac | Out - Hamstring |
Nick Samac | Inactive |
What to Know
The Ravens aren't quite as hampered as the Steelers, though their depth is impacted without Armour-Davis and Keaton Mitchell.
Still, Pittsburgh gets a bit of relief with Agholor out while Pittsburgh is missing Donte Jackson.