One of the NFL’s top rushing offenses is coming to Acrisure Stadium, and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ already-leaky rush defense is facing even more attrition on its front line.
Yahya Black did not practice Friday, per the league-mandated injury report, and fellow rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon continues to sit out. That adds to three veteran defensive linemen on injured reserve for the Steelers, who have allowed 466 rushing yards over their past two games.
Monday’s opponent, the Miami Dolphins, have amassed 303 rushing yards over their past two and carry a four-game winning streak into the primetime meeting.
Harmon has missed the past two games because of a knee injury, and Black has a shoulder ailment. Additionally, the Steelers’ most accomplished defensive linemen — Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton — are listed on the injury report. Benton, in fact, was downgraded to limited participation Friday as he deals with his ankle injury.
Heyward missed practice Friday, listed with a knee injury. But it is not atypical for the 36-year-old to sit out a practice each week, and he is expected to play against the Dolphins.
The only fully healthy defensive linemen on the Steelers roster are Esezi Otomewo and Brodric Martin-Rhodes. They have been in uniform for only a combined nine games this season.
Kyler Baugh and Anthony Goodlow are defensive linemen on the practice squad. Between them is a total of only 36 NFL regular-season snaps of experience, all by Goodlow earlier this season with the Arizona Cardinals before his release.
Dugger, others on track
Starting safety Kyle Dugger practiced fully for the second consecutive day, meaning there is a good chance he will return from a one-game absence because of a hand injury.
Other starters who practiced fully Friday despite nursing injuries were quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist), receiver DK Metcalf (abdomen) and inside linebacker Patrick Queen (hip).
Austin added, Pierre still out
Receiver Calvin Austin III was an addition to the injury report, getting a “limited participation” designation for Friday’s practice.
Joining T.J. Watt, Harmon, Black and Heyward as those who missed practice were starting cornerback James Pierre (calf) and fill-in starting left tackle Andrus Peat (concussion). If Pierre cannot play, Asante Samuel Jr. likely will get his first start with the Steelers. If Peat cannot play, Dylan Cook would get his first NFL start just seven days after his pro debut.
Status quo in protocol
Two other Steelers who joined Peat in NFL concussion protocol during last week’s win at the Baltimore Ravens remain limited in practice: inside linebacker Malik Harrison and tight end Darnell Washington.
Receiver and special teams ace Ben Skowronek was upgraded to a partial participant with his hand ailment suffered in Baltimore. Skowronek is expected to play against Miami.
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