Latest injury report for Steelers vs. Bengals, Week 16

It has been one of the more memorable weeks of the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But that's largely thanks to the fodder surrounding George Pickens as opposed to what's going on between the hashes. But on the final day of practice ahead of the Bengals game, we received a critical update on who would […]

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer

Dec 21, 2023 3:07 PM EST

Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports — Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It has been one of the more memorable weeks of the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But that's largely thanks to the fodder surrounding George Pickens as opposed to what's going on between the hashes.

But on the final day of practice ahead of the Bengals game, we received a critical update on who would be starting at QB on Saturday:

Steelers Week 16 Injury Report, Thursday

Observations

Kenny Pickett: Pickett hasn't seen a gameday, much less the practice field since suffering an ankle injury resulting 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 on 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. On Wednesday, Pickett "Had a good day today, said Coach Tomlin. "We'll see how his body responds to the work today and make plans for tomorrow accordingly." Pickett also jumped from taking fourth-team reps to second-team reps during Wednesday's practice. That set up Thursday to be pivotal in his projection for Saturday even if he was always a longshot to play. Unfortunately for Pickett and the Steelers, Mike Tomlin announced that Pickett was out for Saturday's matchup, leaving Mason Rudolph the starter with Pittsburgh's season on the line and a mere 3% chance of making the postseason.
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 as well as Wednesday and Thursday, as Fitzpatrick has officially been ruled out.
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. On Wednesday, Heyward was upgraded to full, which bodes well for his availability against the Bengals. That was confirmed on Thursday when Heyward cleared the concussion protocol, proving he's getting ready to play against the Bengals.
Najee Harris: Harris has missed multiple practices over the past few weeks with a knee injury, so it was likely just rest for him on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Harris practiced in full, proving the team was likely just being cautious, as Harris was also a full participant on Thursday.
Broderick Jones: The rookie has been great this year and a rare appearance on the team's injury report. His limited availability was a tad surprising on Tuesday, with Jones mitigating any concerns with a full participation level on Wednesday and Thursday
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 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Muth practiced in full, telling the media it was just a scare yesterday and nothing to worry about, which was confirmed by his practice status on Thursday.
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 on Tuesday was likely rest-related, with Seumalo logging a limited practice on Wednesday. On Thursday, Seumalo Did not practice, but he holds no injury designation going into the game.