Steelers Rule Out Two Key Starters against Packers

PITTSBURGH — Defensive lineman Montravius Adams and free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick were ruled out for the Steelers game against the Packers on Sunday after not practicing all week.

Adams suffered a right ankle injury early in the Steelers’ Week 9 win over the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football, and he was initially listed as questionable to return before being downgraded to out. Mike Tomlin said that he’ll practice this week, and the team will monitor his status for Sunday. However, he did not practice, and the team ruled him out.

Rookie Keeanu Benton will replace Adams after the injury. Tomlin credited Benton’s play throughout his first season. Meanwhile, Minkah Fitzpatrick continues to sit out to start this week. Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal are the starters without him, which could lead to some concerns. Fitzpatrick did not get any practice in this week and has yet to practice since his injury.

The Steelers also got defensive tackle Cam Heyward back from injury, which helped the depth on the defensive line. Heyward started the week as limited with his groin injury. He continued to work his way back from the injury but took a step back and did not practice on Thursday. He is going to play without an injury designation but has some swelling in his groin area.

Tomlin confirmed that inside linebacker Cole Holcomb will be out for the rest of the 2023 season, but declined to mention his specific injury and whether or not he will have surgery. Holcomb was placed on the injured reserve list on Monday.

Linebacker Elandon Roberts is dealing with a knee injury and was limited on Wednesday but sat on Thursday. He said that he will play against the Packers. That means Mark Robinson has more work. However, Kwon Alexander noted that he would wear the green dot without Holcomb for the rest of the season. Tariq Carpenter and Mykal Walker are preparing to play.

The only injured Steelers player remaining is tight end Pat Freiermuth, who must miss at least one more week on the injured reserve. But he says he is nearing a return and is seen running off to the side.