Rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth and veteran defensive end Chris Wormley will have one more opportunity to show if they will be available Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers play the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
Freiermuth (concussion) and Wormley (groin) each missed practice for the second day in a row Thursday, potentially leaving the Steelers without two key starters against the AFC West-leading Chiefs.
Freiermuth and Eric Ebron were the co-starters at tight end entering the season. Ebron is on injured reserve, and Freiermuth’s concussion could elevate Zach Gentry to a starting role against Kansas City.
Gentry had a 17-yard catch on the Steelers’ lone touchdown drive in a 19-13 victory against Tennessee. Kevin Rader, the third tight end on the roster, did not play against Tennessee because of a hip injury, but he practiced fully Thursday for the second consecutive day.
“Look at Gentry and the growth he’s had,” offensive coordinator Matt Canada said. “I’ve talked about it in this setting before, and I think that’s great. Rader has waited his turn. If that’s the case, we’ll move on with those guys.”
Wormley didn’t finish the game against Tennessee, and defensive coordinator Keith Butler said Thursday that rookie Isaiahh Loudermilk would be the logical replacement against Kansas City.
The Steelers’ depth on the defensive line has been weakened by Montravius Adams and Isaiah Buggs being added to the reserve/covid list. Adams, though, could be cleared to play before Sunday.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger scaled back his participation Thursday to a limited basis after practicing fully Wednesday. Cornerback Joe Haden returned to practice after being given a veteran day off Wednesday. Rookie linebacker Buddy Johnson (foot) practiced fully for the second day in a row.
Left tackle Dan Moore Jr. was limited because of illness. He was the only new addition to the injury report.
