S Chuck Clark, LB Cole Holcomb ruled out for Steelers because of illness; Malik Harrison activated from IR

The depth at safety continued to shrink Saturday as the Pittsburgh Steelers ruled out Chuck Clark from playing in their game Sunday against Indianapolis because of an illness.

Clark had been listed as questionable. With safety Jabrill Peppers already ruled out with a quadriceps injury and DeShon Elliott on injured reserve with a knee injury, the only healthy safeties on the 53-man roster are Juan Thornhill and Kyle Dugger, who was acquired during the week from New England. Dugger took part in just two practices, but he could play a significant role at strong safety in his debut for the Steelers.

Jalen Ramsey has played some safety this season and could be used there against Indianapolis. On the practice squad, the Steelers have safeties Jack Henderson and Darrick Forrest. Henderson is a rookie who joined the practice squad Oct. 6. Forrest is a five-year veteran who was added to the practice squad Wednesday. Forrest spent four seasons with Washington and started 17 times in 40 games from 2021-24.

The Steelers elevated two players from the practice squad, just not to help out on defense. Elevated were running backs Lew Nichols and Trey Sermon.

Also ruled out Saturday was inside linebacker Cole Holcomb with an illness. His absence led to the Steelers activating linebacker Malik Harrison from injured reserve. Harrison has sat out since the season opener with a knee injury. He signed a two-year contract with the Steelers in free agency.

Previously ruled out from playing Saturday was wide receiver Scotty Miller with a broken finger.