Pittsburgh Steelers release Thursday injury report ahead of Titans game

The Pittsburgh Steelers released their injury report after Thursday’s practice ahead of Sunday’s game versus the Tennessee Titans.

The Steelers are now 6-6-1 on the season, sitting in third place in the AFC North. The Titans are chasing win No. 10 on the year and are in first in the AFC South.

The big news of the day is T.J. Watt returning to full participation after suffering a groin injury. Watt has 16 sacks on the season through 11 games played.

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.

The Steelers also put OL B.J. Finney on IR after he suffered a back injury against the Ravens two weeks ago.

Pittsburgh injury report

Steelers – Did Not Practice: TE Kevin Rader (Hip), DE Isaiah Buggs (Ankle),
OT Zach Banner (Knee)

Zach Banner, Kevin Rader and Isaiah Buggs all took a step back on Thursday due to their respective injuries. Buggs was a full participant on Wednesday.

Steelers – Limited: QB Ben Roethlisberger (Pectoral/Right Shoulder), CB Joe Haden (Foot)

Joe Haden has missed the last four games with a foot injury but he’s slowly working his way but to full strength on the practice field. His status for Sunday’s game is unclear.

Ben Roethlisberger seems to miss practice most weeks and it’s clear the veteran is battling various injuries, but in typical “Big Ben” fashion, he’s found a way to play when Sunday rolls around.

Steelers – Full Participant: LB Robert Spillane (Knee), LB Alex Highsmith (Quadricep), LB T.J. Watt (Groin), DT Carlos Davis (Knee)

Linebacker duo T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith both practiced in limited fashion on Wednesday but returned to full-go on Thursday. It’s a good sign as the Steelers also look poised to return defensive tackle Carlos Davis. Davis has only been able to play in one game so far this year.

Key defender 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).