Pittsburgh Steelers place key linebacker on COVID-19 list

The Pittsburgh Steelers received a potential blow to the defense on Thursday, ahead of this weekend’s AFC Wildcard game vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.

Linebacker Buddy Johnson was placed on the on the Reserve/COVID-19 List on Thursday according to the official team website. He was on the Reserve/Injured List.

Once he is removed from the Reserve/COVID-19 List, he will remain on the team’s Reserve/Injured List.

While some Pittsburgh Steelers fans were likely hopeful Johnson could return from his injury for the playoffs, it doesn’t look like that will be the case.

Johnson was placed on the Reserve/Injured List after dealing with a foot injury the last few weeks. The rookie played in four games this season, with two tackles.

Earlier on Thursday, the Steelers released their injury report. While the team is healthier overall than it has been all season, the most notable name on Thursday’s report is running back Najee Harris, who continued to be sidelined with an elbow injury and didn’t practice for the second straight day.

When asked if he had an update on his status following practice, Coach Mike Tomlin said the following:

“I don’t. We’re scheduled to work him tomorrow,” said Tomlin. “I think that’s going to be telling for us.”

Harris and the Pittsburgh Steelers rushing attack will be key if they are going to pull off the upset on the road.

Guard Trai Turner also didn’t practice on Thursday, added to the injury report with a knee.

In addition, cornerback Arthur Maulet (concussion), who was limited in practice on Wednesday, was a full participant on Thursday.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral/right shoulder) was a full participant on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday, while tackle Dan Moore Jr. (ankle) was a full participant for the second straight day.

Pittsburgh Steelers update status of two key receivers

Earlier on Thursday, the Steelers announced two key updates at the wide receiver position as the team prepares to play the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wildcard round of the NFL playoffs.

JuJu Smith-Schuster returned to practice on Thursday after being placed on the Reserve/Injured List on Oct. 16 with a shoulder injury.

Smith-Schuster still remains on the Reserve/Injured List and the team has a 21-day window to activate him to the 53-man roster, or he remains on the Reserve/Injured List.

Smith-Schuster suffered the shoulder injury in the second quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers Week 5 game against the Denver Broncos and underwent surgery for it.

Smith-Schuster had 15 receptions for 129 yards, an 8.6-yard average, and no receiving touchdowns in five games prior to the injury. He had three carries for nine yards and one rushing touchdown.

The team also activated receiver James Washington from the Reserve/COVID-19 List. Washington was placed on the list on Jan. 8 and didn’t play in the regular season finale against the Ravens.