Steelers History Steelers Injury Updates Steelers News
Steelers Injury News: Connor Heyward Updates Ankle, Christian Kuntz in Boot
PITTSBURGH — Two Pittsburgh Steelers players had their injury statuses updated on Monday as the team started the process of moving forward from its Week 10 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday and looking ahead to the Week 11 trip to visit the Cleveland Browns.
Long snapper Christian Kuntz was seen in a walking boot on Monday, bringing his status for the trip to Cleveland into question. Kuntz suffered an ankle injury while covering a punt in the second half against the Packers. He was able to return to the game and did not miss a snap, but was seen testing the ankle on the sideline in between series. The Steelers do not have a backup long snapper on their roster or practice squad, which is something that they may be forced to change this week if Kuntz is unable to practice.
Steelers tight end Connor Heyward said that the ankle injury he suffered late in the game against the Packers was minor and that he expects to practice this week. Heyward limped off in the final offensive drive of the game and did not return, but was not listed by head coach Mike Tomlin among the team’s injuries after the game.
Strong safety Keanu Neal, who was also injured late in the game, said on Sunday night that he expects to be OK this week after suffering a rib injury when he was tackled and landed on the football after his interception in the fourth quarter.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson was able to return to the game after a thumb injury. His status for this week is unknown.
Three injured players who missed the Packers game could be in line to return this week. Tight end Pat Freiermuth (right hamstring) is eligible to be reinstated from the injured reserve list, and said he expects to practice this week. Tomlin had said there was a chance that nose tackle Montravius Adams (right ankle) and free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (right hamstring) could practice last week, but they ended up sitting out the entire week. They could get back to work this week.
Linebacker Kwon Alexander is expected to be out for the rest of the season after suffering a torn Achilles on Sunday. He should be added to the IR at some point this week.
Steelers Injury Report
| Player | Injury | Date | Prognosis | Roster Status |
| LS Christian Kuntz | Ankle | Nov. 12 | Unknown | Acitve, Returned to play |
| WR Diontae Johnson | Thumb | Nov. 12 | Unknown | Active, Returned to play |
| TE Connor Heyward | Left leg | Nov. 12 | Expected to practice | Active, Did not return |
| SS Keanu Neal | Rib | Nov. 12 | Expected to practice | Active, Did not return |
| ILB Kwon Alexander | Achilles | Nov. 12 | Out for season | Active, Did not return |
| ILB Cole Holcomb | Left knee | Nov. 2 | Out for season | Injured reserve |
| NT Montravius Adams | Right ankle | Nov. 2 | Day-to-day | Active, OUT vs. Packers. |
| FS Minkah Fitzpatrick | Right hamstring | Oct. 29 | Day-to-day | Active, OUT vs. Packers. |
| TE Pat Freiermuth | Right hamstring | Oct. 19 | Week-to-week | IR, Eligible to return |
| 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 |
Nick Farabaugh provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
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