Steelers Get Big Boost with Return of Two Key Starters

Nick Farabaugh |

Updated: Jan 11, 2024

Steelers RB Najee Harris against the Baltimore Ravens, Jan. 6, 2024 - Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their practice week with continued positive news. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick continued to work on the practice field, being a full participant once again, and that continues to make him on pace to play.

Fitzpatrick suffered a left knee injury during the second quarter of the Steelers’ Week 15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He returned to practice for the first time last week, and was listed as questionable to play against the Baltimore Ravens, but was ruled inactive just before the game.

Fitzpatrick said after the game that he plans to play against the Bills this week, and Tomlin feels confident that will be the case. Fitzpatrick reiterated that he will play on Thursday.

“Minkah will be limited at the early portions of the week,” Tomlin said. “We’ll let the amount of his participation and the quality of his participation be our guide, but we’re optimistic about his inclusion.”

T.J. Watt did not practice, and is not expected to play, as Tomlin said. Watt is expected to miss multiple weeks with a Grade 2 MCL sprain.

Watt carried a knee brace with him. If the team wins, he will likely have to play with one if he can return during the postseason.

Linebacker Elandon Roberts is dealing with his pectoral injury but was a full participant in practice, which is a solid sign of his continued availability throughout the week.

Running back Najee Harris and left guard Isaac Seumalo returned to practice with knee and shoulder injuries, and they are minor and are expected to play.

Trenton Thompson is out with his neck injury after being placed on injured reserve.

STEELERS INJURY REPORT

Player	Injury	Date	Prognosis	Roster Status
OLB T.J. Watt	Left knee MCL sprain	Jan. 6	Multiple weeks	Active, OUT vs. BUF
RB Najee Harris	Knee	Jan. 2	Minor	Active, FP on Thurs.
LG Isaac Seumalo	Shoulder	Jan. 2	Minor	Active, FP on Thurs.
ILB Elandon Roberts	Left pectoral muscle	Dec. 23	Minor	Active, FP on Thurs.
FS Minkah Fitzpatrick	Left knee	Dec. 16	Day to day	Active, FP on Thurs.
SS Trenton Thompson	Neck stinger	Dec. 16	Out for season	Injured reserve
SS Keanu Neal	Rib	Nov. 12	TBD	IR (Wk. 15), TBD
ILB Kwon Alexander	Achilles	Nov. 12	Out for season	Injured reserve
ILB Cole Holcomb	Left knee surgery	Nov. 2	Out for season	Injured reserve
DE Cam Heyward	Groin	Sept. 10	Minor	Active
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