Steelers Injury Updates
Steelers Injury Updates: Chris Boswell, Terrell Edmunds to Return; Matt Feiler, Robert Spillane Resume Practicing
The Steelers expect to get at least two players back from injury when they begin the 2020 NFL Playoffs on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, and might be getting even more reinforcements from the injured reserve list.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that the kicker Chris Boswell and safety Terrell Edmunds are expected to practice this week.
Boswell missed the team’s last two games with a groin injury suffered in practice, while Edmunds did not practice last week after injuring his shoulder in Pittsburgh’s penultimate regular season game against Indianapolis on Dec. 27.
Tomlin also said that offensive lineman Matt Feiler and inside linebacker Robert Spillane plan to practice this week as they return from the injured reserve.
Feiler started 13 games at left guard this season before suffering a pectoral injury in the team’s loss to the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 13. Rookie Kevin Dotson has been filling in for Feiler.
Spillane made seven starts at inside linebacker while filling in for Devin Bush before injuring his knee against Washington on Dec. 7. Veteran Avery Williamson and converted safety Marcus Allen have replaced Spillane.
Both Feiler and Spillane are eligible to return from the injured reserve list immediately, having spent three and four weeks, respectively, on the list.
PITTSBURGH — Steelers rookie linebacker Alex Highsmith suffered an ankle injury that will require an MRI in Sunday’s playoff loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Highsmith left the game in the first half and was seen limping on the Pittsburgh sideline. He made an attempt to return to the game, but was unable to continue playing and did not see the field at all in the second half.
In-game, the Steelers announced that Highsmith was doubtful to return with an ankle injury. After the fact, head coach Mike Tomlin said that Highsmith suffered a high ankle sprain. Highsmith’s father posted on Twitter early on Monday morning that Highsmith will require an MRI on his injured ankle.
Not the way we wanted the season to end but I am thankful to have been a part of this amazing ride! The Highsmith Family is proud to wear the Black & Gold and we look forward to more success in the future! Please pray for Alex as he gets an MRI tomorrow on his ankle! #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/JJA4PpZpvx
— Sam Highsmith (@SHighsmithClan) January 11, 2021
Given that Highsmith was able to walk and even run in short bursts after the injury, it does not seem likely that it will impact his offseason training plans.
The team’s third-round draft pick out of Charlotte, Highsmith was thrust into a starting role after starting outside linebacker Bud Dupree suffered an ACL injury that required surgery.
On the season, Highsmith played in 16 regular season game and made five starts. He finished with 48 tackles, five for a loss, six quarterback hits, one interception and one pass defended.
With Dupree set to become an unrestricted free agent and unlikely to return, Highsmith should be expected to retain his starting role in 2021.
PITTSBURGH — Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith has left the team’s Wild Card Round playoff game against the Cleveland Browns with an ankle injury and is doubtful to return, the team announced.
Highsmith suffered the injury in the first half and attempted to return to play, but was unable to continue.
He was replaced on the field by a combination of third-year backup Ola Adeniyi and Cassius Marsh, who was signed from the Indianapolis practice squad in December.
Highsmith had been replacing starter Bud Dupree, who was lost for the season to an ACL injury.
In the regular season, Highsmith appeared in all 16 games and made five starts. He had two sacks, five tackles for loss, one interception and one pass defended.
The rookie out of Charlotte was the Steelers’ third-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Steelers Injury Updates
Steelers Injury Updates: JuJu Smith-Schuster Practiced Fully Friday, Chris Boswell Limited
The Pittsburgh Steelers are relatively healthy entering their opening round playoff matchup with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, as only kicker Chris Boswell was listed on the team’s injury report as being less than a full participant in practice on Friday.
Boswell was limited on Friday as he continues to recover from the groin injury that has forced him to miss the last two games. He was also limited on Wednesday, but was a full participant during Thursday’s session.
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) returned to the practice field Friday after sitting out on Thursday. He had practiced fully on Wednesday as well, but was newly added yesterday.
Defensive end Isaiah Buggs (illness) was also added to the injury report Thursday, but was a full participant on Friday.
Safety Terrell Edmunds (shoulder), cornerback Steven Nelson (knee), nose tackle Tyson Alualu (ankle) and linebacker Vince Williams (quad) were all full participants during Friday’s practice session as well, positioning the Steelers to be healthy heading into Sunday’s playoff game against the Browns.
