Steelers safety Trenton Thompson out, Elijah Riley questionable to play vs. Bengals

Already without the safeties taking spots Nos. 1-3 on their depth chart this week, the Pittsburgh Steelers learned Thursday they also will have to make do without No. 4.

Trenton Thompson missed the entire week’s worth of practice and was ruled out for Saturday’s home game against the Cincinnati Bengals on the league-mandated status report released Thursday.

Thompson became a regular in the Steelers’ secondary after a rib injury suffered by No. 3 safety Keanu Neal late in a Nov. 12 win against the Green Bay Packers. But Thompson suffered what was termed a “stinger” during this past week’s loss at the Indianapolis Colts, and despite him returning to that game, that injury (identified as a neck ailment) has prevented him from practicing this week.

It has been known for a few days that the Steelers would face Cincinnati without co-starting safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee injury) and Damontae Kazee (suspension).

Veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson and practice-squad elevation Eric Rowe are expected to play the bulk of the snaps at safety Saturday, though other options for subpackages are special-teams captain Miles Killebrew and versatile defensive back Elijah Riley. Riley has been on injured reserve since Nov. 20 because of an ankle ailment but returned to practice this week and was given a questionable designation to play Saturday.

Safety dance: Veteran Eric Rowe ready to step in for #Steelers; Elijah Riley back at practice https://t.co/BOCTrEf1oD

— Tribune-Review Sports (@TribSports) December 20, 2023

Rowe is a nine-year veteran who joined the Steelers practice squad last month and is expected to make his 2023 season debut and play in his first game for the Steelers on Saturday.

Starters on Thursday given the official green light to play against the Bengals despite missing some degree of practice reps this week were running back Najee Harris (knee), starting left guard Isaac Seumalo (shoulder), right tackle Broderick Jones (ankle), tight end Pat Freiermuth (knee) and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (concussion).

Of that group, all practiced fully Thursday with the exception of Seumalo, who did not practice but who has played through his shoulder injury the past two games.

Coach Mike Tomlin on Thursday said starting quarterback Kenny Pickett would miss a second consecutive game.

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