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Steelers Injury News: Four Key Starters Miss Practice

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Steelers RB Najee Harris
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris at practice on Dec. 1, 2023. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers will have two big injuries to monitor this week at the outside linebacker position, and they will still be without starting quarterback Kenny Pickett, but they should have a better bill of health. Still, to start the week, four players missed practice on the Steelers injury report.

Pickett, of course, did not practice as Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph prepare for their clash with Indianapolis. But running back Najee Harris (knee) missed practice after missing both last week. Of course, Harris did play and it seems likely he will once again.

Linebacker Elandon Roberts is dealing with a lingering groin injury. He played through a week ago against the Patriots but the team gave him the day off. Isaac Seumalo is in a similar boat, and missed practice with a shoulder injury but would seem likely to play on Saturday.

Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt remain in the NFL concussion protocol, but both got good updates on Tuesday. They practiced in a lmimted fashion. It’s relatively uncommon for players to go into the concussion protocol and return in the same week, but it has happened, including for a couple of Steelers, Pickett and Chukwuma Okorafor. The two extra days do help.

RELATED: Steelers Quiet on T.J. Watt Concussion Details

In other injuries that were limited, Keeanu Benton (oblique), Damontae Kazee (ankle), and Cam Heyward (groin) all started off the week not working in team periods. Cornerback James Pierre missed Thursday’s game against the Patriots but practiced fully.

Player Injury Date  Prognosis Roster Status
OLB Alex Highsmith Neck/concussion protocol Dec. 7 Unknown Active, LP on Tues.
OLB T.J. Watt Concussion protocol Dec. 7 Unknown Active, LP on Tues.
RB Najee Harris Right knee Dec. 5 Minor Active, DNP on Tues.
DT Keeanu Benton Oblique Dec. 3 Unknown Active, LP on Tues.
LG Isaac Seumalo Shoulder Dec. 3 Minor Active, DNP on Tues.
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, DNP on Tues.
SS Damontae Kazee Ankle Dec. 12 Unknown Active, LP on Tues.
DE Cam Heyward Groin Dec. 12 Minor Active, LP on Tues.
CB James Pierre Shoulder Nov. 22 Day to day Active, FP on Tues.
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