Steelers Provide Important Injury Updates As Some Key Players Will Be Out Against The Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been wondering all week if some of their star players would be able to play Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. Multiple players who are very important to the team have either been out a few games or have just sustained injuries. These injuries come at a bad time as the Steelers have a quick turnaround after the Ravens game when they play the Kansas City Chiefs four days later. No players were immediately ruled out Monday when Head Coach Mike Tomlin gave an update on injuries during his press conference. Throughout the week during practices, some players were working off to the side while others participated in team drills. Thursday's injury report officially came out and while the Steelers won't miss a key player, other well-known names were ruled out.

Steeler Nation can relax that they won't be without TJ Watt Saturday as he went down with an ankle injury against the Philadelphia Eagles. Watt has worked hard all week to be able to play for an AFC North title Saturday and JJ Watt gave an optimistic update on Wednesday that his brother was feeling good. Watt then spoke to reporters Thursday after practice and said he'd have to see how he feels Saturday, but he should be good to go. The rest of the injury report gives conflicting feelings for Steelers fans, though.

George Pickens is ruled out yet again and DeShon Elliott is listed as doubtful as he is set to miss his second game in a row. Elliott has been a powerhouse on defense and an essential part to stopping the run game. Both Pickens and Elliott are dealing with hamstring injuries which are never good. A new name popped up on the injury report with Justin Fields going down as out for Saturday as well. Fields suffered an abdominal injury during the only play he went in against the Eagles. An Eagles defender hit him pretty good as he was already going down for a slide and since then, Fields hasn't practiced all week.

A player who's been injured multiple times throughout this season is Donte Jackson, but he's yet to miss a game. Although Jackson lets some big plays up to wide receivers, he's tied for fourth in the NFL with five interceptions and with Elliott already out, the Steelers can't afford to lose someone else from the secondary. Larry Ogunjobi also has a chance to suit back up as him and Jackson are questionable for Saturday's game against the Ravens.

These last few games are important ones for Pittsburgh, even with already clinching a playoff berth. It's unknown if any of the inactive players will be active for the Chiefs game as it's a quick break after the Ravens game. It's a brutal stretch to end the season and these injuries do come at bad times, but it'll be important for other players to step up and hope that these key players are fully healthy for the playoffs.

Steelers' Offense Didn't Show Promise Against Ravens In Week 11 Even With George Pickens

During the last matchup against the Ravens, the Steelers didn't score a single touchdown as Chris Boswell kicked six field goals to win 18-16 against the Ravens. Pickens had his most targets and catches that game, going eight for 89 yards on 12 targets. Pittsburgh's offense had some red zone struggles during that game, but ultimately the defense stepped up and stopped Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, two of the best players in the league this season.

If the Steelers couldn't get into the end zone against the Ravens with a good game from Pickens, it'll be tough to change the narrative, especially in Baltimore. Russell Wilson has found different receivers to throw to without Pickens, but the offense is definitely different without its star wide receiver.

How do these injuries affect the Steelers moving forward? Let us know in the comments below!

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