PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers injury list looks solid as they head into their matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. They will be without quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is recovering from ankle surgery. In addition to him, Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) is questionable. Highsmith fully practiced on Thursday, signaling that he is likely to play. The Steelers confirmed that an independent neurologist cleared him, and will play. Seumalo did not practice all week but could play as a veteran. If he can not play, it would be Nate Herbig starting.
Pickett, of course, did not practice as Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph prepared for their clash with Indianapolis. But running back Najee Harris (knee) seems ready to go and is listed without a designation. Of course, Harris played against the Patriots and it seems the team is just managing it.
Linebacker Elandon Roberts is dealing with a lingering groin injury. He played through a week ago against the Patriots, and he returned in a limited capacity on Wednesday. He will play on Saturday against the Colts.
Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt remain in the NFL concussion protocol, but both got good updates on Thursda. Highsmith practiced fully while Watt continued taking steps and practiced fully for the second straight day. It’s relatively uncommon for players to go into the concussion protocol and return in the same week. Still, it has happened, including for some Steelers, Pickett and Chukwuma Okorafor. The two extra days do help. Watt officially cleared protocol on Wednesday. Highsmith did on Thursday.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson popped up on the injury report and did not practice on Wednesday with a knee injury but returned in a full capacity on Thursday. He will play.
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In other injuries that were listed but not to worry about, Keeanu Benton (oblique), Damontae Kazee (ankle), and Cam Heyward (groin) all continued to work their way back. Cornerback James Pierre missed Thursday’s game against the Patriots but practiced fully.
| Player | Injury | Date | Prognosis | Roster Status |
| WR Diontae Johnson | Knee | Dec. 13 | Unknown | Active, WILL PLAY vs. IND |
| OLB Alex Highsmith | Neck/concussion protocol | Dec. 7 | Unknown | Active, QUES. vs IND |
| OLB T.J. Watt | Concussion protocol | Dec. 7 | Unknown | Active, WILL PLAY vs. IND |
| RB Najee Harris | Right knee | Dec. 5 | Minor | Active, WILL PLAY vs. IND |
| DT Keeanu Benton | Oblique | Dec. 3 | Unknown | Active, WILL PLAY vs. IND |
| LG Isaac Seumalo | Shoulder | Dec. 3 | Minor | Active, QUES. vs IND |
| QB Kenny Pickett | R high ankle sprain surgery | Dec. 3 | 2-4 Weeks | Active, OUT vs IND |
| ILB Elandon Roberts | Groin | Dec. 3 | Minor | Active, WILL PLAY vs. IND |
| SS Damontae Kazee | Ankle | Dec. 12 | Unknown | Active, WILL PLAY vs. IND |
| DE Cam Heyward | Groin | Dec. 12 | Minor | Active, WILL PLAY vs. IND |
| CB James Pierre | Shoulder | Nov. 22 | Day to day | Active, WILL PLAY vs. IND |
| DB Elijah Riley | High ankle sprain | Nov. 19 | Week to week | Injured reserve (Wk. 16) |
| SS Keanu Neal | Rib | Nov. 12 | Week to week | Injured reserve (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 |
| LB 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 |