Steelers Dealing With Two Significant Injuries

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened the week against the Ravens with just a walkthrough rather than a practice, but the estimated report brought up two key concerns. Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) and Elandon Roberts (pec) both did not practice in the estimated report.

Fitzpatrick has missed the team’s last two games with a left knee injury he suffered in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 16. He has yet to return to practice with the team, though he did resume running at practice on Friday. 

Steelers Sights & Sounds: Minkah Fitzpatrick Takes Step Forward in Rehab

With usual backup Damontae Kazee suspended, practice squad member Eric Rowe has been starting at free safety in Fitzpatrick’s absence.

Roberts suffered a left pectoral muscle injury during the team’s Week 16 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He also has yet to return to practice in any fashion. Roberts was the third of the team’s starting inside linebacker trio to be lost to injury this season.

Myles Jack, Mark Robinson, and Mykal Walker manned the position against the Seahawks on Sunday and should be expected to once again next week.

Trenton Thompson suffered a neck stinger against the Colts, and though he was able to return to that game, he missed the next two. He has returned to practice, but said on Friday that he has not been fully cleared by the medical staff and is more realistically targeting the first round of the playoffs for a return. He was limited in the estimated Tuesday report.

“I would push for the playoffs,” Thompson said. “If we get into the first round, I would do my best, with the doctors and trainers, to try and get cleared to play and have whatever role I might have.”

Kenny Pickett took a step forward and practiced in full for the first time since December 4th in his recovery from ankle surgery. Meanwhile, Najee Harris (knee), Cam Heyward (groin), and Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) were all limited with ailments.

STEELERS INJURY REPORT