Latest injury report for Steelers vs. Bengals, Week 16
Facing a divisional opponent in a must-win game just screams AFC North football in December. Unfortunately, we know both the Steelers and Bengals will be short-handed this week when it comes to some of their best players. But today we found out if the optimism surrounding Kenny Pickett's return is real or just hype: Steelers Week 16 […]
Facing a divisional opponent in a must-win game just screams AFC North football in December.
Unfortunately, we know both the Steelers and Bengals will be short-handed this week when it comes to some of their best players.
But today we found out if the optimism surrounding Kenny Pickett's return is real or just hype:
Steelers Week 16 Injury Report, Tuesday
Observations
- Kenny Pickett: Pickett hasn't seen a gameday, much less the practice field since suffering an ankle injury that resulted in a tightrope surgery. The whole purpose of the surgery was to get Pickett back on the field as quickly as possible, something a recent report shined light ahead of the Colts game. On Monday, Coach T said that Pickett: "Has had a good rehab and could have some availability later in the week, he can be described as questionable." On Tuesday, Pickett was back at practice and participating in a limited fashion which is a positive sign for his potential return.
- Minkah Fitzpatrick: Fitzpatrick went down with a knee injury in the first half of Saturday's game in Indianapolis, and was ruled out despite trying to give it a go. His efforts to return generated some optimism that he dodged a significant injury. On Monday, Coach Tomlin said: "Minkah Fitzpatrick can be described as out against the Bengals." That was confirmed by his DNP on Tuesday.
- Cam Heyward: Heyward seemed fine during the game but was quickly placed in concussion protocol after the loss, with Coach Tomlin saying: "Cam is in the concussion protocol." We received a look into how he is progressing on Tuesday, with Heyward participating in a limited fashion which doesn't give much clarity into whether or not he will be good for Saturday.
- Najee Harris: Harris has missed multiple practices over the past few weeks with a knee injury, so it's likely just rest for him.
- Broderick Jones: The rookie has been great this year and a rare appearance on the team's injury report. We'll see if the ankle bears monitoring as the week progresses.
- Pat Freiermuth: Muth has missed plenty of time in 2023, but it was mostly due to his hamstring injury. The knee is new, but hopefully not serious given his limited participation.
- Isaac Seumalo: Seumalo usually rests and hasn't missed a game since suffering the shoulder injury that caused him to miss the second half of the Cardinals game. His DNP is likely rest-related.
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