Title: Steelers rule out multiple players due to injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without several key players in today’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals due to injury. Quarterback Kenny Pickett and safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Trenton Thompson have all been ruled out after being inactive since Thursday.
With the absence of Fitzpatrick, Thompson, and Damontae Kazee, who is serving a suspension, the team will be leaning on veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson to step up. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin praised Peterson’s versatility and ability to adapt to different roles.
In addition to the injuries, Mason Rudolph will take over at the quarterback position for the third straight week in place of Pickett. Offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner expressed confidence in Rudolph’s abilities and work ethic.
The Steelers also made several roster moves on Friday, activating defensive back Elijah Riley and signing linebacker Kyron Johnson to the 53-man roster. Linebacker Myles Jack and safety Eric Rowe were elevated from the practice squad for the game.
Riley, who suffered an injury in the Steelers Week 11 game, has been activated from the Reserve/Injured List. Johnson, originally signed to the practice squad in October, has been elevated to the Active/Inactive roster for multiple games this season. Jack, a familiar face for the Steelers, was most recently with the Philadelphia Eagles before joining the team’s practice squad. Rowe, with experience from the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, and Carolina Panthers, brings veteran presence to the team.
The Steelers will have to rely on their depth and the newly activated players to make up for the absence of key players as they face the Bengals today.