Key Steelers Starter Misses Practice with Injury

Steelers RB Najee Harris
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 16, 2023. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their week of prep against the Ravens with some positive injury news. Elandon Roberts and Minkah Fitzpatrick both returned to practice in a limited capacity.

Fitzpatrick has missed the team’s last two games with a left knee injury he suffered in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 16. This was his first practice after he resumed running last week.

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With usual backup Damontae Kazee suspended, practice squad member Eric Rowe has been starting at free safety in Fitzpatrick’s absence.

Roberts suffered a left pectoral muscle injury during the team’s Week 16 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. This was his first practice back since that injury. Roberts was the third of the team’s starting inside linebacker trio to be lost to injury this season.

Myles Jack, Mark Robinson, and Mykal Walker manned the position against the Seahawks on Sunday.

Trenton Thompson suffered a neck stinger against the Colts, and though he was able to return to that game, he missed the next two. He has returned to practice, but said on Friday that he has not been fully cleared by the medical staff and is more realistically targeting the first round of the playoffs for a return. He was limited on Wednesday.

“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.”

Kenny Pickett took a step forward and practiced in full for the first time since December 4th in his recovery from ankle surgery. Meanwhile, Najee Harris (knee) took a step back and did not practice. However, that is likely a rest day, and he should be expected to play.

Cam Heyward (groin) remained limited. Meanwhile, Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) took a step up and was a full participant. T.J. Watt and Larry Ogunjobi received rest days.

STEELERS INJURY REPORT

Player Injury Date  Prognosis Roster Status
DE Cam Heyward Groin Jan. 2 Minor Active, LP on Wed.
RB Najee Harris Knee Jan. 2 Minor Active, DNP on Wed.
LG Isaac Seumalo Shoulder Jan. 2 Minor Active, FP on Wed
ILB Elandon Roberts Left pectoral muscle Dec. 23 Week to week Active, LP on Wed.
SS Trenton Thompson Neck stinger Dec. 16 Day to day Active, LP on Wed.
FS Minkah Fitzpatrick Left knee Dec. 16 Day to day Active, LP on Wed.
QB Kenny Pickett Right ankle surgery Dec. 3 Day to day Active, FP on Wed.
SS Keanu Neal Rib Nov. 12 Week to week IR (Wk. 15)
ILB Kwon Alexander Achilles Nov. 12 Out for season Injured reserve
ILB Cole Holcomb Left knee surgery Nov. 2 Out for season Injured reserve
ILB Chapelle Russell II Knee Aug. 11 Out for season Injured reserve
CB Cory Trice Right ACL tear Aug. 1 Out for season Injured reserve
RB Alfonzo Graham Torn right labrum July 29 Out for season Injured reserve
DT Renell Wren Torn right Achilles tendon May 17 Out for season Injured reserve
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