The Pittsburgh Steelers issued their first injury report of Week 13, listing seven players as did not participate ahead of their matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Key absences include quarterback Aaron Rodgers and edge rusher T.J. Watt, both dealing with lingering issues.
The Pittsburgh Steelers began their preparation for Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills with a Wednesday injury report that highlighted several key players' status. Seven players did not practice: wide receiver DK Metcalf (ankle), quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist), wide receiver Ben Skowronek (shoulder), offensive tackle Broderick Jones (neck), tight end Jonnu Smith (rest), edge rusher T.J. Watt (rest), and defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (knee).
Limited participants included cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hip), edge rusher Alex Highsmith (pec), offensive guard Isaac Seumalo (rest), and defensive lineman Cam Heyward (ankle). Rodgers, recovering from a left wrist fracture that caused him to miss the Week 12 game against the Chicago Bears, mirrored his limited start from the previous week. Head coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism about Rodgers playing on Sunday but noted early limitations in practice. Rodgers himself remained uncertain, stating he is not yet comfortable taking snaps from center.
Highsmith has missed the last two games due to a pectoral injury and has recorded 5.5 sacks in the seven games he has played this season. Tomlin ruled out Jones and Harmon for the upcoming game, impacting the Steelers' trenches. Potential replacements include Calvin Anderson or Andrus Peat at left tackle and rookie Yahya Black on defense.
Porter, Metcalf, and Skowronek all sustained injuries during Sunday's game, with their statuses unclear heading into the weekend. Heyward, who appeared on last week's report, played against the Bears and reported his ankle feeling better. The Steelers and Bills are set to kick off Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.