The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to 6-5 after a tough loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. The loss dropped them out of first place in the AFC North — as well as playoff seeding entirely — with the once 1-5
Baltimore Ravens seizing control of the division for the first time this season. As Mike Tomlin says frequently, there were bumps and bruises associated with play.
During his weekly Tuesday afternoon press conference, Tomlin provided multiple updates on the injury front via the team’s YouTube channel.
The headline is QB Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a fracture in his wrist in Week 11. He received a questionable designation against Chicago but was ruled out before the game.
Tomlin on Rodgers today:
“Aaron worked his tail off to get to us last week, but it was the prudent and appropriate decision. We’ll start this week with great optimism although we’ll certainly limit him at the early portion of the week.”
Tomlin added that the team is comfortable with Rodgers’ general trajectory, and the quarterback’s quality of participation will be the greatest indicator.
The Steelers suffered two additional injuries that will significantly impact them this weekend.
Starting LT Broderick Jones has a neck injury and is OUT. And rookie DT Derrick Harmon has a knee injury and is characterized as OUT, according to Tomlin.
DK Metcalf came out of the game on two separate occasions with what appeared to be an ankle injury, but did return to action both times and finished the game on the field.
Joey Porter Jr. suffered what was characterized as a hip flexor in the third quarter and didn’t return.
Tomlin said both could be limited in the early portions of the week.
Ben Skowronek suffered a shoulder injury and will also be evaluated.
Alex Highsmith missed the last two contests with a pec injury, and Tomlin said the team will also monitor his participation.
The Steelers will welcome the Buffalo Bills to Acrisure Stadium this Sunday, in what feels like a must-win for both teams. The Bills will have 10 days’ rest after losing to the Houston Texans last Thursday night.
The black and gold are currently a 3.5-point underdog according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
