PITTSBURGH — The Steelers injury news on Wednesday came with improved information, as multiple players were upgraded to full participation. But the safety position, in particular, looks like a barren wasteland. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) and Trenton Thompson (neck) did not practice for the second straight day. Fitzpatrick is out this week, but Patrick Peterosn believes Thompson will play.
In addition, the team will get some help from Elijah Riley, who is back from a high ankle sprain. Riley is a versatile defensive back who could play, and he logged a full practice on Wednesday. Safety Keanu Neal (rib) remains out for the foreseeable future.
Defensive lineman Cam Heyward, in the concussion protocol, took the next steps to return from the injury. Heyward practiced in a full capacity, meaning that he is in a good spot to return despite being in the protocol.
Other players who returned to practice were Najee Harris (knee) and Isaac Seumalo (shoulder). Those guys seem like players who will not practice or be limited for most of the week but will play as they have the last two weeks. Harris was full and Seuamlo was limited.
Kenny Pickett continued to practice on Wednesday in a limited fashion. The quality of his participation will determine if he ends up playing. Mike Tomlin said Thursday in the big day for him. Meanwhile, Broderick Jones (ankle) and Pat Freiermuth (knee) both practiced in a full capacity on Wednesday.
STEELERS INJURY REPORT
| Player | Injury | Date | Prognosis | Roster Status |
| TE Pat Freiermuth | Knee | Dec. 19 | Unknown | Active, FP on Wed. |
| LG Isaac Seumalo | Shoulder | Dec. 19 | Day to day | Active, LP on Wed. |
| OT Broderick Jones | Ankle | Dec. 19 | Unknown | Active, FP on Wed. |
| RB Najee Harris | Knee | Dec. 19 | Day to day | Active, FP on Wed. |
| DT Cam Heyward | Concussion | Dec. 16 | Day to day | Active, FP on Wed |
| SS Trenton Thompson | Neck | Dec. 16 | Day to day | Active, DNP on Wed. |
| FS Minkah Fitzpatrick | Left knee | Dec. 16 | Week to week | Active, OUT vs CIN |
| QB Kenny Pickett | R high ankle sprain surgery | Dec. 3 | 1-2 Weeks | Active, LP on Wed. |
| DB Elijah Riley | High ankle sprain | Nov. 19 | Day to day | IR (Wk. 16), FP on Wed. |
| SS Keanu Neal | Rib | Nov. 12 | Week to week | IR (Wk. 15), OUT vs CIN |
| ILB Kwon Alexander | Achilles | Nov. 12 | Out for season | Injured reserve |
| ILB Cole Holcomb | Left knee surgery | Nov. 2 | Out for season | Injured reserve |
| LB Chapelle Russell II | Knee | Aug. 11 | Out for season | Injured reserve |
| CB Cory Trice | Right ACL tear | Aug. 1 | Out for season | Injured reserve |
| RB Alfonzo Graham | Torn right labrum | July 29 | Out for season | Injured reserve |
| DT Renell Wren | Torn right Achilles tendon | May 17 | Out for season | Injured reserve |