Steelers Could Lose Five Starters for Patriots Game

Nick Farabaugh |

Dec 6, 2023

Steelers RB Najee Harris against the Arizona Cardinals, Dec. 3, 2023 - Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers’ injury report on Wednesday was the only full practice the group would have throughout the week. And it was more discouraging than encouraging on most fronts. Leading the way, running back Najee Harris missed a second straight day of practice with a knee injury. The Steelers listed him as questionable. If he can not play, Jaylen Warren will start with Anthony McFarland and Godwin Igwebuike pitching in for the effort.

However, in positive news, Elandon Roberts (groin) did practice for the https://twitter.com/FarabaughFB/status/1732144787061444757″>second

straight day. He is questionable, but that might bode well for his chances to play. Meanwhile, guard Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) took a step back and did not practice. That is a welcome sign for the Steelers, who need help at inside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin did not know how the rotation would shake out but figured Blake Martinez, Mykal Walker, and Myles Jack would all have to step up in some capacity.

“We’ll take it one day at a time,” Roberts said. “I’ve got one more day.”

Also on the offensive line, center Mason Cole was dealing with a neck injury and was limited. He is questionable with that injury, and could miss the game. If Seumalo and Cole are out, Nate Herbig will kick to center and rookie Spencer Anderson seems in line to make his first career start.

Nose tackle Keeanu Benton (oblique), defensive tackle Montravius Adams (ankle), and Minkah Fitzpatrick (hand) are all without game designations and will play. Cornerback James Pierre will not play with a shoulder injury, opening the door for Darius Rush to get a helmet. Kenny Pickett is out and Mitch Trubisky will start.

STEELERS INJURY REPORT

Player	Injury	Date	Prognosis	Roster Status
RB Najee Harris	Knee	Dec. 5	Unknown	Active, QUES vs. NE
DT Keeanu Benton	Oblique	Dec. 3	Unknown	Active, WILL PLAY vs. NE
LG Isaac Seumalo	Shoulder	Dec. 3	Unknown	Active, QUES vs NE
QB Kenny Pickett	Right high ankle sprain surgery	Dec. 3	2-4 Weeks	Active, OUT vs NE.
ILB Elandon Roberts	Groin	Dec. 3	Unknown	Active, QUES vs NE
FS Minkah Fitzpatrick	Left hand	Dec. 3	Day to day	Active, WILL PLAY vs. NE
C Mason Cole	Neck	Dec. 3	Day to day	Active, QUES. vs NE
CB James Pierre	Shoulder	Nov. 22	Day to day	Active, OUT vs NE
DB Elijah Riley	High ankle sprain	Nov. 19	Week to week	Injured reserve (Wk. 16)
SS Keanu Neal	Rib	Nov. 12	Unknown	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
NT Montravius Adams	Right ankle	Nov. 2	Day to day	Active, WILL PLAY vs NE.
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