The Pittsburgh Steelers have released their first injury report ahead of Week 13’s game against the Buffalo Bills. Per the team, seven players did not practice Wednesday: WR DK Metcalf (ankle), QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist), WR Ben Skowronek (shoulder), OT Broderick Jones (neck), TE Jonnu Smith (rest), EDGE T.J. Watt (rest), and DL Derrick Harmon (knee).
Limited today were CB Joey Porter Jr. (hip), EDGE Alex Highsmith (pec), OG Isaac Seumalo (rest), and DL Cam Heyward (ankle).
Steelers’ Week 13 Wednesday Injury Report
DNP
QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist)
WR DK Metcalf (ankle)
WR Ben Skowronek (shoulder)
TE Jonnu Smith (rest)
OT Broderick Jones (neck)
DL Derrick Harmon (knee)
EDGE T.J. Watt (rest)
Limited
OG Isaac Seumalo (rest)
DL Cam Heyward (ankle)
EDGE Alex Highsmith (pec)
CB Joey Porter Jr. (hip)
Rodgers did not practice today, mirroring how he started last week. He ended last week limited Thursday and Friday. During his Tuesday press conference, Mike Tomlin expressed optimism that Rodgers will play Sunday but noted he would be limited early in the practice week. He is still recovering from a fracture in his left wrist, his non-throwing hand, that caused him to miss the Steelers’ Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. Rodgers told reporters he’s still uncertain if he’ll play and isn’t yet comfortable taking snaps from center.
Highsmith has missed the last two games with a pectoral injury. Tomlin opened the door for Highsmith to return this week but did not guarantee it. If Highsmith can’t play, Nick Herbig will start with rookie Jack Sawyer again serving as the No. 3 OLB. Highsmith has missed four games this season and recorded 5.5 sacks in the seven he’s suited up for.
On Tuesday, Tomlin ruled Jones and Harmon out. Two big losses in the Steelers’ trenches. Calvin Anderson or Andrus Peat will replace Jones at left tackle. Anderson subbed in for Jones last week, but Peat was inactive. Peat is expected to dress this week. Rookie Yahya Black will likely get first crack at replacing Harmon as a base defensive end with Esezi Otomewo, Logan Lee, and Brodric Martin-Rhodes (who could play more nose tackle) seeing action, too.
Porter, Metcalf, and Skowronek were all injured mid-game Sunday and their status for the weekend are unclear. It makes tomorrow and Friday’s reports worth watching. The fact Porter worked in limited fashion today is encouraging. But if Porter can’t suit up, Darius Slay figures to replace him while Pittsburgh could elevate CB Asante Samuel Jr. from its practice squad to make his Steelers debut.
Heyward appeared late on last week’s injury report but played against the Bears. He told reporters earlier today his ankle was feeling better.
Pittsburgh and Buffalo kick off Sunday at 4:25 PM/EST.
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