The Pittsburgh Steelers had a long injury list at the start of Week 13, but that concerning forecast improved significantly after Thanksgiving Day news that quarterback Aaron Rodgers and several key players practiced in full.
Team reporter Teresa Varley relayed the full Steelers injury report on November 27, which upgraded the injury status of Rodgers (left wrist), star wide receiver DK Metcalf (ankle), edge rusher Alex Highsmith (pectoral), defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (ankle), and veteran rest days for guard Isaac Seumalo, star edge rusher T.J. Watt, and tight end Jonnu Smith.
All seven of those players either did not practice or were limited in practice on November 26. Yesterday, on November 27, each of their practice statuses was changed to “FP,” or full practice.
A good sign as the Steelers prepare for a pivotal matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Aaron Rodgers ‘on Track’ to Play as Steelers Face Bills in Week 13
GettyIt appears Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return in Week 13.
Along with the positive injury update, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that “Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers (left wrist) was a full participant in practice [on November 27].”
Rapoport noted that this puts Rodgers “on track” to return in Week 13.
After head coach Mike Tomlin’s comments about Rodgers’ availability earlier this week, it was certainly a surprise when the future Hall of Fame QB did not practice on November 26. But now it appears the Steelers were just exercising caution.
“Always want to play,” Rodgers reiterated on November 26. “There’s been very few times an injury’s been significant enough to keep me off the field. So, [Week 12] was definitely disappointing… but it is what it is.”
It feels highly unlikely that Rodgers will let an injury to his non-throwing wrist keep him out another game, considering the importance of this Steelers-Bills matchup to the AFC playoff picture.
4 Steelers Still Either Ruled Out or In Doubt With Injury
Despite all this good news on Thanksgiving Day, it wasn’t all positive.
Left tackle Broderick Jones (neck) and first-round defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (knee) were both immediately ruled out by Tomlin on November 25. Neither returned to practice on November 27, clouding their long-term status beyond Week 13.
Additionally, wide receiver and core special teamer Ben Skowronek has not practiced yet this week with a “shoulder” injury. And starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has been “limited” all week with a hip injury that Tomlin originally referred to as a “hip flexor” after Week 12.
Skowronek and Porter still have an opportunity to improve their respective Week 13 injury statuses when the Steelers practice later today on November 28. Pittsburgh will need all hands on deck as they host Buffalo and superstar quarterback Josh Allen.
“He’s one of my favorite people in the league,” Rodgers said of Allen on November 26. “I’ve been a fan of his since he came into the league. Him and I have become friends over the years. He’s a fantastic guy, I love the way he carries himself. He’s arguably the best player in the league, and things have been trending up for him ever since his first year as a starter.”
Rodgers concluded that he “just really appreciates the way [Allen] represents the [NFL].”
High praise for the upcoming opponent, who really needs no introduction at this point in his career.
Steelers’ Injury Forecast Takes a Turn Ahead of Week 13 vs. Bills