It’s December, and the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t lost yet. They’re considered a Super Bowl contender – but a playoff berth isn’t even yet mathematically assured.

That will change in the coming weeks, perhaps as soon as this weekend. A victory against the Washington Football Team at Heinz Field on Monday evening would assure the Steelers of their first postseason appearance since 2017.

It’s possible, too, that the Steelers won’t even need to wait until they play Monday. They also can clinch with a loss or tie by one of three teams that plays Sunday: the Las Vegas Raiders (who are at the New York Jets), the Miami Dolphins (who host the Cincinnati Bengals) or the Indianapolis Colts (who play at the Houston Texans).

A scenario also exists in which the Steelers could clinch the AFC North title. A win against Washington combined with a Cleveland Browns loss to the Tennessee Titans would almost assuredly get it done. The Steelers would have to maintain an advantage in the NFL’s “strength of victory” tiebreaker – heading into the weekend, the Steelers strength of victory is .413 and the Browns’ is .313.

Nelson’s knee

The season-ending ligament tear to linebacker Bud Dupree wasn’t the only knee injury suffered by a Steelers starter during the win against the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday. Coach Mike Tomlin said that cornerback Steven Nelson also suffered a knee injury.

“Nelson went to get an MRI or something on his knee,” Tomlin said during his weekly news conference Thursday. “Obviously, he was able to finish the game, but it was something worth looking at today. I’ll be able to give you quality information, I’m sure, (Friday).”

The Steelers did not practice Thursday but because of the compressed week were required to release a practice report. Nelson was given a “did not practice” designation, and reserve running back Jaylen Samuels (quadriceps) was listed as a “limited participant.”

Those were the only players listed on the report as having injuries.

Brooks promoted

Rookie safety Antoine Brooks Jr. was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad as the corresponding move with Dupree being placed on injured reserve.

Brooks, a sixth-round pick from Maryland, was a “call-up” for games against Dallas and Cincinnati last month, his playing time limited to five special-teams snaps against the Cowboys and 28 defensive snaps against the Bengals.

With Mike Hilton out because of injury, Brooks played a variety spots in subpackages for the Steelers in that game.

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