Steelers Rule Five Regulars Out vs. Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers have ruled five regulars out of Sunday’s AFC North battle against the Baltimore Ravens, the team announced on Friday. Left tackle Dan Moore Jr., right guard James Daniels, tight end Pat Freiermuth, defensive end DeMarvin Leal and punter Pressley Harvin III will all miss Sunday’s game.

Moore had already been ruled out by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during his Tuesday press conference. Moore suffered a right knee sprain in Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans. He was replaced in that game by rookie first-round draft pick Broderick Jones and Jones is expected to make his first career start against the Ravens.

Daniels will miss his second straight game with a groin injury suffered in the team’s Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He was a non-participant in practice all week for the second straight week and will once again be replaced by veteran backup Nate Herbig.

Freiermuth was listed as doubtful to play by Tomlin on Tuesday, and is reportedly expected to miss multiple weeks with a right hamstring injury that caused him to leave Sunday’s game in Houston early. Third-round rookie Darnell Washington is in line to make his first start, with Connor Heyward in line for a larger role. Rodney Williams was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster this week and he will play, as well.

Leal has been in the concussion protocol since he left the game against the Texans late. He was limited in practice on Thursday, but did not practice on Friday, sealing his fate in terms of availability this week. Nose tackle Breiden Fehoko will likely be activated against the Ravens, with Montravius Adams and Keeanu Benton seeing more snaps at defensive end with Leal out and Fehoko in the middle.

Harvin will miss his second straight game with a right hamstring injury suffered during the Raiders game. Veteran Brad Wing is once expected to be a game-day elevation from the practice squad to replace Harvin. Wing averaged 47.6 yards per punt on Sunday, with a 40.8-yard gross average.

In addition to the five players ruled out, outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is questionable to play with a groin injury. Highsmith said that he expects to suit up. He was limited in practice on Friday. Markus Golden will start at outside linebacker if Highsmith is unable to play.

Running back Najee Harris was also limited on Friday with a hamstring injury, but is expected to play and has no injury designation.

STEELERS INJURY REPORT