If you thought the Steelers were hurting without Geroge Pickens, it looks like things are about to get worse. Pickens' absence resulted in Pittsburgh's offense reaching a new low in yardage and time of possession against the Eagles they didn't even see under offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Now the Steelers could be without more significant starters in Week 16.
With the Steelers preparing to travel to Baltimore for a pivotal divisional contest against the Ravens on Saturday, Pittsburgh's practice schedule was bumped up a day this week. Unfortunately, the updated injury report hasn't given us much reason to be optimistic about the health status of their team for this AFC North matchup.
In Week 15, the Steelers were not only without Pickens, they were also missing starting defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and starting safety DeShon Elliott. Now their roster could be even more decimated for Saturday's contest.
Updated Steelers injury report for Week 16:
Player | Position | Injury | Tuesday | Wednesday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Justin Fields | QB | Abdominal | DNP | DNP |
Patrick Queen | LB | NIR - Rest | DNP | FP |
George Pickens | WR | Hamstring | DNP | DNP |
DeShon Elliott | S | Hamstring | DNP | DNP |
Elandon Roberts | LB | NIR - Rest | - | DNP |
T.J. Watt | EDGE | Ankle | DNP | LP |
Cam Heyward | DL | NIR - Rest | DNP | DNP |
Larry Ogunjobi | DL | Groin | LP | LP |
While there aren't as many names on the Steelers injury report this week, this team is in danger of having more players (and important players) absent or hobbled for Saturday's contest against the Ravens than they did last week against the Eagles.
Pickens was spotted going through individual drills in practice this week, but it seems likely he could be in line to miss his third straight game. Rushing him back to the field quickly on a Grade 2 hamstring strain could yield a costly setback that could linger into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, DeShon Elliott's status for Saturday is looking doubtful for the second week in a row. Now starting cornerback Donte Jackson is also unlikely to suit up this week. Jackson, who has five interceptions entering Week 16, has been a pivotal piece on defense despite inconsistencies.
In the expected absence of these two starters in the secondary, the Steelers are likely to turn to safety Damontae Kazee and cornerback James Pierre. Though these players have had their moments during the 2024 season, the drop-off in talent is significant — especially considering Pittsburgh will be playing one of the league's top offenses this week.
Cory Trice Jr., who had an excellent start to 2024, has returned from IR but was a healthy scratch last week. Expect him to get a helmet in Baltimore this weekend.
Thankfully, Larry Ogunjobi appears to be on track for a return this week. The Steelers' depth across the defensive line has been razor-thin in recent weeks, so having Ogunjobi back will alleviate pressure from players like Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton.
Like always, the success of the Steelers hinges on the health and availability of T.J. Watt. Watt has been historically brilliant at containing quarterback Lamar Jackson. He was limited at practice on Wednesday with a sprained ankle, but he's still running with a limp. If he can't go this week or is on a snap count, Pittsburgh's defense will feel the effects of his absence.