Steelers, Panthers release Week 15 Wednesday injury report

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers have released their respective injury reports ahead of their Week 15 clash.

Most importantly for Pittsburgh, the Steelers will be hoping quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is in concussion protocol, will be able to suit up. The rookie hasn’t been ruled out for Sunday’s game, but he wasn’t able to participate in Wednesday’s practice.

“Kenny’s in the protocol. We’ll adhere to it,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “We’ll rely on their expertise and let those guys provide the framework of how we proceed.

“Participation is big for him, and the quality of that participation. The last time he sustained a concussion, he was in the protocol but was allowed to work. We’ll see what this procedure is like. His ability to work will determine whether he gets an opportunity. We’ll take it day-by-day. If he’s able to work, we’ll work him.”

Star running back Najee Harris was unable to practice as well. Below is the full injury report for both teams ahead of Week 15.

Steelers:

QB Kenny Pickett (Concussion) – LP
CB Cameron Sutton (Neck,Stinger) – LP
RB Najee Harris (Hip) – DNP
LB Myles Jack (Groin) – DNP
TE Pat Freiermuth (Foot) – DNP
DL Larry Ogunjobi (Toe) – DNP

Panthers:

LB Brandon Smith (Ankle) – DNP
RB D’Onta Foreman (Not Injury Related – Resting Player) – DNP
T Taylor Moton (Not Injury Related – Resting Player) – DNP
LB Joel Iyiebuniwe (Shoulder) – LP
LB Cory Littleton (Ankle) – LP
S Xavier Woods (Knee) – Knee
WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (Shoulder) – LP
WR DJ Moore (Ankle) – FP

Mike Tomlin provides injury update on Kenny Pickett

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin provided an injury update for quarterback Kenny Pickett on Tuesday following an injury he sustained versus the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. 

According to Steelers writer Teresa Varley, Tomlin confirmed that Pickett has in fact entered concussion protocol but nothing is definitive regarding his status for their next game against the Carolina Panthers. Varley also added that Picket’s status will be day-to-day, but Tomlin does value participation in practice, and if he can work he’ll work, but if not reps will be split between Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. 

Pickett went down early in the Steelers’ latest matchup, as he was sacked hard by Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith on their first offensive possession of the game. It appeared that Pickett’s head my contact with the ground on the play and he entered concussion protocol and would never return to the game.

Pickett was replaced by Trubisky, who started the first four games of the season before being replaced by Pickett. Trubisky struggled in his relief role against the Ravens throwing three interceptions in a 16-14 loss to a team also fighting through injury in Baltimore, who was missing star quarterback Lamar Jackson on Sunday and lost backup Tyler Huntleyto injury in the third quarter. 

Pickett led the Steelers to two straight wins prior to his injury, as the Steelers hope for a speedy recovery from their first-round draft pick with four games remaining in the regular season.