The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without wide receiver and kick returner Steven Sims this week against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday Night Football, but appear to be getting healthier as they continue the most difficult stretch of their 2022 season.
Sims did not practice all this week with a hamstring injury suffered last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gunner Olszewski is in line to replace him as kick returner and backup slot receiver.
Outside cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon is doubtful, and projected to miss his fourth game with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 3 against the New York Jets. He did return to practice this week and was a full participant on Thursday, but was back to being limited on Friday and does not appear ready to play this week.
Backup cornerback James Pierre is questionable to play against the Dolphins, after a pair of practice injuries sidelined the young corner this week.
Pierre made his first start of the season in the Steelers’ Week 6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, filling in for injured outside corners Cam Sutton, Levi Wallace and Witherspoon.
Pierre rose to the challenge, helping the Steelers keep Tampa receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out of the end zone. But it doesn’t seem that he’ll be able to offer a repeat performance.
Pierre suffered a stinger late in the game against the Bucs, but recovered from that injury. Instead, it’s been a hip issue and knee injury that limited him in practice on Thursday and Friday and has him questionable for Sunday’s game.
Sutton, Wallace, Art Maulet, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds are the projected starting secondary, with Tre Norwood, Pierre if he can play, and Josh Jackson providing depth.
The Steelers are also getting quarterback Kenny Pickett and tight end Pat Freiermuth back from the concussion protocol.