Injured Steelers Safety Out This Week, Targeting Playoff Return

PITTSBURGH — Safety Trenton Thompson will not be able to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers this week from the stinger injury he suffered two weeks ago against the Indianapolis Colts, he said on Friday.

Thompson suffered the stinger against the Colts in Week 15 and was able to return to that game, but did not play against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16, and said he will not play this week and likely will not play against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, either.

“I feel OK, but it’s a serious situation and after talking with the doctors, and trying to go through this week of practice, my arm is still acting up, so I won’t be playing,” Thompson said.

The Steelers have listed Thompson with a neck injury. He was a full participant in practice for the first time since his injury on Thursday. Thompson did not practice at all last week and was limited on Wednesday.

He said that if the Steelers make the playoffs, he feels confident about being able to return in two weeks from now.

“I would push for the playoffs,” Thompson said. “If we get into the first round, I would do my best, with the doctors and trainers, to try and get cleared to play and have whatever role I might have.”

Thompson had been one of five safeties to start for the Steelers this season. With him and Minkah Fitzpatrick both out with injuries suffered against the Colts, and Damontae Kazee suspended for the rest of the regular season, the team turned to veteran practice squad reserve Eric Rowe and converted cornerback Patrick Peterson at safety against the Bengals in Week 16.

With Thompson and Fitzpatrick likely still out, it will be probably be Peterson and Rowe at safety once again this week against the Seahawks.