The Pittsburgh Steelers’ injury list got longer Wednesday, and the timing could hardly be worse with a Week 3 trip to face the Cincinnati Bengals looming.
Running back Jaylen Warren was listed as a limited participant with a shoulder issue, while cornerback Jamel Dean did not practice because of an ankle injury. That puts two more starters on the watch list as the week begins.
The report also included cornerback Jalen Ramsey (NIR/rest), running back Rico Dowdle (toe) and linebacker Cole Holcomb (NIR/personal) as non-participants. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was limited with a foot injury, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. stayed limited as well, though his back issue was no longer on the report.
Dowdle’s toe injury came in the first half of Pittsburgh’s Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots, when Aaron Rodgers was strip-sacked and the Steelers lost 36 yards after recovering the ball. Dowdle was carted to the locker room, returned in the second half, and was later ruled out. He was spotted in a boot at practice, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on September 22 that he is considered day-to-day, which suggests he avoided a major injury.
Warren handled most of the work against New England, finishing with 77 yards on 13 total touches. It’s still early in the week, but he looks to be in a better spot than Dowdle simply because he was able to practice in a limited capacity.
If either back can’t go against Cincinnati, Eli Heidenreich and Travis Homer would be the top candidates for extra offensive snaps. Homer, who is on the practice squad and was elevated against the Patriots, is already part of that mix, and Lew Nichols could also be a candidate for elevation.
Porter Jr. remains a week-to-week question, which has basically been the story all season since he has missed the Steelers’ first two games. The defense has managed without him, but losing Dean would be a much tougher hit against a Bengals passing game led by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
The hope for Pittsburgh is that at least one of Porter Jr. or Dean is ready to go, if not both. If one sits, Asante Samuel Jr. would stay on the outside. If both are unavailable, Daylen Everette and Brandin Echols could see a much bigger role.
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