Steelers Injury Updates: Five Players Out vs. Falcons

ATLANTA — Five Steelers will miss Pittsburgh’s final preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now. 

Those players that are out will be James Daniels, Nate Herbig (shoulder), Kevin Dotson (right shoulder), Larry Ogunjobi (right ankle/foot), and Cam Heyward. However, the team will welcome back a few players as well; Keeanu Benton (ankle), Tre Norwood (calf), and Nick Kwiatkoski (right shoulder) will all suit up and play against the Falcons. Joey Porter Jr. (ankle) is set to play a significant role in his second preseason game.

In place of those out, DeMarvin Leal and Isaiahh Loudermilk will start in place of Heyward and Ogunjobi. At guard, Kendrick Green will get the start. Due to those injuries, Spencer Anderson, Bill Dunkle, Dylan Cook, and Ryan McCollum will see advanced opportunities in the final game.

However, the Steelers seem set to play other significant players, including Kenny Pickett, T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Peterson, Najee Harris, and others will play on Thursday night.

Among the returnees, Norwood is battling with Miles Killebrew and Kenny Robinson to be the team’s No. 4 safety, at a spot where five is about the most the club has ever kept. Killebrew’s former special teams captain status could tilt the results in his favor. Robinson got plenty of playing time to showcase his skills, while Norwood, Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal and Minkah Fitzpatrick all missed time.

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Atlanta.