Steelers Dealing With Key Injuries Ahead of Week 15 Clash
As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for a pivotal Week 15 matchup, the injury report out of UPMC Rooney Sports Complex is raising some eyebrows. Five key players were absent from Thursday’s practice, and while some reinforcements look ready to go, others remain question marks as the team navigates a crucial stretch of the season.
Let’s break down where things stand heading into the weekend.
T.J. Watt’s Status Looms Large
The biggest concern, both literally and figuratively, is T.J. Watt.
The All-Pro edge rusher remains hospitalized after sustaining a lung injury during practice on Wednesday. His availability for this week’s game is very much in doubt, and understandably so - this isn’t your typical soft tissue tweak or minor knock.
Watt’s presence on the field is a game-changer, and if he’s sidelined, the Steelers will be without their most disruptive defender at a time when every win is vital.
Defensive Line Depth Being Tested
Derrick Harmon continues to work his way back from a right knee injury that has already cost him two games. While head coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism earlier in the week about Harmon’s potential return, the defensive lineman did not practice on Thursday - not the most encouraging sign for his Week 15 outlook.
Yahya Black, who’s filled in for Harmon the past two games, has been battling a shoulder injury of his own. The good news?
Black was a full participant on Thursday, as was starting nose tackle Keeanu Benton, who’s been managing an ankle issue. With Harmon still sidelined, the Steelers will need both Black and Benton to anchor the interior if they hope to maintain their edge up front.
Offensive Line Shuffling Continues
Andrus Peat entered the concussion protocol after exiting Sunday’s win over the Ravens, and he didn’t practice on Thursday. That puts the Steelers in a tough spot along the offensive line.
Dylan Cook, who made his NFL debut in relief of Peat, is likely in line to start again. With both Broderick Jones and Calvin Anderson on injured reserve, Pittsburgh’s depth is being tested in the trenches.
Cook held his own last week, but protecting the quarterback and opening lanes in the run game becomes a taller task when you’re leaning on backups against playoff-caliber defenses.
Secondary and Skill Positions Also Feeling the Strain
Cornerback James Pierre missed Thursday’s practice with a calf injury, though he was able to finish the Ravens game despite the issue. There’s cautious optimism he could return to practice later in the week, but the Steelers will be monitoring him closely.
Wide receiver Ben Skowronek is dealing with a hand injury - initially thought to be just a finger issue - and while he played through it on Sunday, it may limit his role primarily to special teams this week.
Tight end Darnell Washington and linebacker Malik Harrison were both limited participants while in the concussion protocol. Their status will hinge on whether they can clear the necessary steps in time, but any absence would further deplete the Steelers’ already-thin depth chart.
Who’s Trending Up?
Despite the laundry list of injuries, there are some positives. Defensive tackles Yahya Black and Keeanu Benton were full participants and are trending toward being ready for Sunday. Linebacker Patrick Queen, dealing with a glute injury, and safety Kyle Dugger (hand) were also full participants.
These are important names for a defense that may need to shoulder more of the load if Watt is unavailable. Dugger, in particular, has been a steady presence in the secondary, and Queen’s sideline-to-sideline range will be key against a dynamic opposing offense.
The Bigger Picture
With multiple starters on injured reserve and several more questionable for Sunday, the Steelers are walking a tightrope. Depth is being tested across the board - from the offensive line to the defensive front, from the secondary to special teams.
This is the part of the season where playoff contenders separate themselves. The margin for error is razor-thin, and the ability to overcome injuries - not just survive them, but adapt and thrive - often determines who’s still playing in January.
The Steelers have built a reputation on resilience. Now, with their roster banged up and their star pass rusher in the hospital, they’ll need every ounce of that grit to stay in the hunt.