Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers Injury Updates
Steelers CB Donte Jackson Feels ‘Good Enough to Go’ vs. Chiefs
The Steelers secondary has been quite thin as of late, but cornerback Donte Jackson is confident he can make his return this week.
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers secondary is very thin after suffering several injuries as of late, but it looks like they’ll be getting some reinforcements when they host the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas day.
Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson and safety DeShon Elliott both missed Saturday’s 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Then cornerback Joey Porter Jr. suffered a knee injury during the game that is expected to sideline him for at least this week.
Jackson suffered a back injury two weeks ago against the Philadelphia Eagles and did not return, but after logging a few practices between last week and the beginning of this week, he’s feeling confident about his availability come Wednesday.
“I’m feeling good,” Jackson said. “Good enough to go. Just get out there and get ready to duke it out, man.”
Jackson would bring a big boost to the Steelers secondary, which would have had to start both backups, James Pierre and Cory Trice Jr., if he were unable to play.
That is especially important this week with the tall task of minimizing two-time NFL MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“Very efficient offense up and down the field. 15 rarely makes any mistakes with the ball,” Jackson said. “Just talent all over the field and the master of talent usage at quarterback.”
One of Mahomes’ many talents is extending plays to give his playmakers more time to get open and make a big play.
That is among the Steelers’ top priorities this week, but Jackson is confident in his defense’s ability to minimize them, thanks to the talented quarterbacks they’ve already faced this year.
“We’ve been fortunate to play against a lot of really good play extenders, but it’s the same as it always is,” Jackson said. “Make sure your eyes are where they’re supposed to be. The play isn’t over until you see the ball hit the ground or the whistle’s blown. Plaster them and be detailed in coverage. Like I said, never think the play is over until you know for sure.”
Only time will tell if the Steelers will be able to do just that, but they’ll need to if they hope to end their two-game losing streak and continue to fend off the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North.
Jackson should give Pittsburgh a much-needed boost to its injured secondary, at the very least.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.