Steelers Could Get Three Players Back from Injury This Week

The Pittsburgh Steelers are leaving the door open for three players to return from injury for their Week 18 regular season finale against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

Free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, inside linebacker Elandon Roberts and strong safety Trenton Thompson could all work their way back throughout the practice week, though they are expected to be limited at the outset.

Fitzpatrick has missed the team’s last two games with a left knee he injury he suffered in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 16. He has yet to return to practice with the team, though he did resume running at practice on Friday. 

Steelers Sights & Sounds: Minkah Fitzpatrick Takes Step Forward in Rehab

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. He also has yet to return to practice in any fashion. 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 and should be expected to once again next week.

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.

“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.”

The only other Steelers injury mentioned by Tomlin was outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who may be limited early in the practice week with an undisclosed ailment suffered late against the Seahawks. His game status is not in jeopardy, but may miss practice time.

STEELERS INJURY REPORT