Pittsburgh Steelers release final injury report for the week

The Pittsburgh Steelers have just released their injury report after Friday’s practice. Pittsburgh is gearing up to take on the Tennessee Titans in a matchup of playoff teams from last season. So far, the Titans are on pace to make the playoffs for their fourth consecutive season. But as for the Steelers, currently, they are on the outside looking in with a 6-6-1 record and in 10th place in the AFC.

As the Steelers get ready for this critical showdown on Sunday, these are the list listed injured players, their practice status, and their status for the game as of Friday.

Full practice:

Limited practice:

Kevin Rader (hip)

Did not practice:

Montravius Adams (illness)
Isaiah Buggs (ankle)
Buddy Johnson (foot)

Game status:

Joe Haden – Questionable
Kevin Rader – Questionable
Isaiah Buggs – Questionable
Buddy Johnson – Out

Everybody else listed on the injury report is expected to play come Sunday, Except for defensive end Montravius Adams. Adams was placed on the injured reserve /COVID-19 list on Wednesday. And with him being placed on the list so late into the week, it is highly unlikely that he will play against the Tennessee Titans. 

On Thursday, the Steelers also put OL B.J. Finney on IR after he suffered a back injury against the Ravens two weeks ago. Also, Offensive lineman J.C. Hassenauer returned to practice on Wednesday but is still on the IR list. The team has 21 days to activate him as he continues his return from a pectoral injury.

Pittsburgh DT on COVID-19 list

On Wednesday, the Steelers announced DT Montravius Adams has been placed on the COVID-19 list, meaning his status moving forward is uncertain based on his vaccination status and NFL protocols.

Adams signed with Pittsburgh on Nov. 30 off the New Orleans Saints practice squad. He has been a solid addition to the defensive line, recording four tackles, a tackle for loss, a pass deflection and a quarterback pressure in just two games suiting up for the Steelers. 

The Steelers need all the help they can get when it comes to stopping the run, so this is a significant blow. 

Despite a talented roster, Pittsburgh has one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL, and that has been very apparent over recent weeks. Pittsburgh is allowing 139.5 rushing yards per game, which is only better than the Houston Texans (144.2) and Los Angeles Chargers (141.2).