The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their final practice of the week on Saturday, and with that came the official injury designations ahead of their upcoming matchup - a game that could have serious playoff implications on both sides.
Let’s start with the big names who won’t be suiting up. Cornerback James Pierre has been ruled out.
That’s a notable loss for a defense that’s leaned on Pierre’s emergence this season. He’s been making plays all year, including a key interception in Week 14 against the Ravens.
His absence leaves a hole in the secondary at a time when every defensive snap matters.
The injury list doesn’t stop there. Offensive tackle Andrus Peat is also out after suffering a concussion.
That’s a tough blow for the offensive line, especially with the Steelers looking to establish rhythm and protection in a pivotal late-season stretch. Defensive tackle Yahya Black is also sidelined with a concussion, thinning out Pittsburgh’s depth up front.
There are a couple more names to monitor heading into game day. Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is questionable with a knee issue, as is tight end Darnell Washington. Both could play key roles if healthy - Harmon in the trenches and Washington as a versatile piece in the offensive scheme.
And then there’s the absence that’s been looming all week: T.J. Watt.
The All-Pro pass rusher was ruled out earlier after undergoing surgery for a partially collapsed lung. That’s a massive piece of Pittsburgh’s defense off the field.
Watt is the kind of player who changes games with a single snap, and replacing his production - and presence - is no small task.
On a more positive note, everyone else on the injury report practiced without a game designation, meaning the Steelers will at least have some continuity elsewhere heading into a crucial matchup.
At 7-6, Pittsburgh is fighting to stay in the thick of the AFC playoff picture. A win this week wouldn’t just push them to 8-6 - it would also deal a major blow to the Dolphins’ postseason hopes, likely knocking them down to 6-8 and out of realistic contention. In other words, this one’s got stakes.
The Steelers are banged up, no doubt. But this team has shown resilience all season long. With the playoff race tightening, they’ll need every bit of that grit to keep their postseason dreams alive.