Two practices into the week, three Pittsburgh Steelers starters have not taken the field because of injury.
Safety DeShon Elliott, defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi and receiver George Pickens again sat out practice Thursday, according to the league-mandated injury report.
Pickens suffered a hamstring injury late in practice last week and did not play in the Steelers’ victory against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Elliott (hamstring) and Ogunjobi (groin) suffered ailments during that game.
In lieu of Pickens, veteran Scotty Miller was active for only the second time over a five-game span, and Van Jefferson, Mike Wiliams and Ben Skowronek moved up the wide receivers pecking order against the Browns.
Ogunjobi did not play in the second half Sunday, affording Isaiahh Loudermilk much more playing time. If Ogunjobi does not play in Sunday’s game at the Philadelphia Eagles, expect veteran Dean Lowry to re-gain his spot in the gameday lineup. The Steelers also likely would turn to veteran nose tackle Montravius Adams, who has been on injured reserve since October (knee) but has returned to practice and must be activated by Dec. 19 if he is to play again this season.
Damontae Kazee serves as the Steelers’ No. 3 safety behind Minkah Fitzpatrick and Elliott. If Elliott does not play, expect Kazee to play more as well as heightened contributions from Cameron Sutton. Also, Cory Trice is back off IR but was a healthy scratch vs. Cleveland. He has not played since Week 3.
