Pittsburgh Steelers release final injury report ahead of Kansas City Chiefs

The Pittsburgh Steelers have dealt with a wave of adversity this season and on Thursday, the organization released its final injury report ahead of Sunday’s matchup vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth didn’t practice for the second straight day, still in the concussion protocol after being injured against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

While he may not be a familiar name for Pittsburgh Steelers fans, tight end Kevin Rader was a full participant for the second straight day, good news after he missed the Titans game with a hip injury.

“Kevin’s a guy that’s been just kind of waiting his turn for a long time and he’s been consistent and he’s physical and he knows what to do,” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “He knows the offense very well.”

Defensive lineman Chris Wormley didn’t practice again on Thursday, missing his second consecutive day after suffering a groin injury against the Titans.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral/right shoulder) was limited after being a full participant on Wednesday. This has been a normal routine for the Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback who should be good to go when Sunday rolls around.

New to the injury report was tackle Dan Moore Jr., who was limited with an illness.

Linebacker Buddy Johnson (foot) was a full participant, as was cornerback Joe Haden, who didn’t practice on Wednesday simply because of a coach’s decision.

Pittsburgh Steelers facing COVID 19 issues

Like the rest of the NFL, Pittsburgh has faced a wave of COVID 19 issues.

The Steelers placed two more players on the Reserve/COVID-19 List on Thursday, defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs and running back Anthony McFarland Jr.

Related news: Offensive lineman Kevin Dotson returned to practice on Wednesday, giving the Steelers a 21-day window to activate him from the Reserve/Injured list to the 53-man roster, or he would have to sit out the remainder of the season. Dotson was originally placed on the Reserve/Injured List on Nov. 20.

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed, linebacker Devin Bush, offensive tackle Zach Banner and linebacker Marcus Allen on the Reserve/COVID-19 List on Wednesday as well. Bush has started all 13 games he played in this season, while Banner has played in six games in 2021 and Allen has played in 14 games this season.

Also on the Reserve/COVID-19 List is defensive lineman Montravius Adams.

Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 16

Thursday, December 23
CB Joe Haden (Coaches Decision) – Full
TE Pat Freiermuth (Concussion) – DNP
DE Chris Wormley (Groin) – DNP
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Pectoral/Right Shoulder) – Limited
LB Buddy Johnson (Foot) – Full
TE Kevin Raider (Hip) – Full
DE Isaiah Buggs (Ankle) – Full
OT Dan Moore Jr. (Illness) – Limited

Wednesday, December 22
CB Joe Haden (Coaches Decision) – DNP
TE Pat Freiermuth (Concussion) – DNP
DE Chris Wormley (Groin) – DNP
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Pectoral/Right Shoulder) – Full
LB Buddy Johnson (Foot) – Full
TE Kevin Raider (Hip) – Full
DE Isaiah Buggs (Ankle) – Full