Steelers Injury Updates: Benny Snell Hurts Knee; Chase Claypool Setback?

UNITY TWP., Pa. — The Pittsburgh Steelers running back depth took another blow on Wednesday, as backup Benny Snell left practice with a right knee injury.

Snell had been working with the starting unit while Najee Harris has been nursing a foot injury of his own. That leaves Anthony McFarland as the team’s presumptive starter heading into the preseason opener on Saturday.

Behind him will be Jaylen Warren, who has impressed through his first training camp, and newly signed rookie Master Teague III. Fellow rookie Mateo Durant has also missed the last two practices with an undisclosed injury.

The Steelers are also banged up at wide receiver, as Chase Claypool did not practice Wednesday after being limited on Tuesday, a potential setback in his return from a shoulder injury. Diontae Johnson (hip flexor) also did not practice while Javon McKinley suffered a left shoulder injury during practice while making an acrobatic catch and did not return.

George Pickens and Anthony Miller were consistently with the first team of wide receivers, while Calvin Austin III, Gunner Olszewski and Cody White rotated through.

Head coach Mike Tomlin did not break down the injured players specifically after practice, but characterized all players that are currently absent as day-to-day.

At tight end, the Steelers got a player back, as Connor Heyward returned to full participation after leaving Tuesday’s practice. Zach Gentry (undisclosed) missed his second straight practice, while Pat Freiermuth (left hamstring) continues to work in a limited capacity.

Left guard Kevin Dotson (right ankle), outside linebackers Genard Avery (groin) and Alex Highsmith (ribs), fullback Derek Watt (left shoulder), defensive tackle Montravius Adams and inside linebackers Marcus Allen (ankle) and Ulysees Gilbert III (right ankle) also did not practice on Wednesday. Strong safety Miles Killebrew (pec) was limited.

Kendrick Green started at left guard and Derrek Tuszka at left outside linebacker. Henry Mondeaux played nose tackle when the team played a base defense.