Steelers Get More Bad Injury News in Secondary

Steelers SS Trenton Thompson
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Trenton Thompson in a game against the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 16, 2023 -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Trenton Thompson in a game against the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 16, 2023 -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

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

Player Injury Date  Prognosis Roster Status
TE Pat Freiermuth Knee Dec. 19 Unknown Active, FP on Thu
LG Isaac Seumalo Shoulder Dec. 19 Day to day Active, DNP on Thu
OT Broderick Jones Ankle Dec. 19 Unknown Active, FP on Thu
RB Najee Harris Knee Dec. 19 Day to day Active, FP on Thu
DT Cam Heyward Concussion Dec. 16 Day to day Active, FP on Thu
SS Trenton Thompson Neck Dec. 16 Day to day Active, OUT vs CIN
FS Minkah Fitzpatrick Left knee Dec. 16 Week to week Active, OUT vs CIN
QB Kenny Pickett Right ankle surgery Dec. 3 1-2 Weeks Active, OUT vs CIN
DB Elijah Riley High ankle sprain Nov. 19 Day to day IR (Wk. 16), Q vs CIN
SS Keanu Neal Rib Nov. 12 Week to week IR (Wk. 15), OUT vs CIN
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

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