Steelers Get More Bad Injury News in Secondary

The Pittsburgh Steelers got more bad injuries news for their secondary on Thursday, as strong safety Trenton Thompson has been ruled out for this Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team announced.

Thompson, who suffered a neck stinger in last Saturday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts, is one of three players that the Steelers ruled out against the Bengals.

Quarterback Kenny Pickett (right ankle surgery) and free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) have also been ruled out.

Fitzpatrick was ruled out on Monday and Pickett, two weeks out from his surgery, seemed less likely to be able to suit up against Cincinnati, but there were higher hopes for Thompson, who was able to return to Saturday’s game after his injury.

With Fitzpatrick and Thompson out with injuries, and Damontae Kazee suspended, the Steelers have had to scramble to come up with another plan at safety.

Cornerback Patrick Peterson moved to free safety to replace Fitzpatrick in the game on Saturday, and that will once again be the plan this week. At strong safety, Eric Rowe, an eight-year NFL vet that has been on the Steelers’ practice squad for a month, will fill in for Kazee, Keanu Neal, who remains on the IR with a rib injury, and Thompson.

Elijah Riley has a chance to return to the lineup as a backup at free safety. The versatile defensive back, who also plays slot corner and is a key special teamer, has been out four weeks with a high ankle sprain. He was limited in practice on Tuesday and was a full participant on Wednesday and Thursday. He is officially questionable to return to action.

Other than that, the rest of the Steelers’ 53-man roster is expected to suit up against the Bengals. Left guard Isaac Seumalo did not practice for the second straight day on Thursday, but he does not have an injury designation for the game and should be good to go on Saturday.

STEELERS INJURY REPORT