Steelers Injury Updates: Four on Defense Miss Practice Wednesday

PITTSBURGH — Four Pittsburgh Steelers players did not practice on Wednesday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex as the team began its preparations for its Week 8 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Nose tackle Montravius Adams Sr. (hamstring), cornerback Josh Jackson (groin), defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (knee) and cornerback Levi Wallace (shoulder) did not practice. All four players were injured in the team’s Week 7 loss to the Miami Dolphins. All but Wallace were able to finish the game. Wallace was injured late in the fourth quarter. 

James Pierre has replaced Wallace as he’s dealt with multiple injuries this season. Ahkello Witherspoon, who has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 3, was a full participant on Wednesday and appears on track to return in Philadelphia.

Witherspoon, Pierre, Cam Sutton and Art Maulet appear to be in line to continue a four-man rotation for the Steelers’ three primary cornerback spots. Without Jackson, the team may activate Quincy Wilson from the practice squad for the second time to serve as depth.

Chris Wormley would be in line to start at defensive tackle alongside Cam Heyward if Ogunjobi and Adams can’t play, but both veteran defensive linemen have been on the injury report early in weeks multiple times this season, only to be able to suit up on Sunday.

Wide receiver and kick returner Steven Sims was limited in practice. Sims did not play against the Dolphins while dealing with a hamstring injury that he suffered in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sims was replaced in Miami by Gunner Olszewski as the team’s primary punt and kick returner and backup slot receiver.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth was also limited with an ankle injury. Freiermuth returned from the concussion protocol to play in Week 7, but was on a snap count. Zach Gentry and Connor Heyward have seen expanded roles with Freiermuth out this season, but the team has not added a fourth tight end at any point.