Weekly Calendar Template 7 Day

Week 7 Injury Report (Rams)

The Steelers wrapped up their preparation for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams by practicing indoors at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on a rainy Friday.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth, who was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and then limited on Thursday, didn’t practice at all on Friday and has been ruled out for the game.

Linebacker T.J. Watt, who was added to the injury report on Thursday with a heel injury, was a full participant and isn’t on the status report.

“It was minor. I feel great,” said Watt. “I had a good day of practice today.”

The Steelers are looking healthy otherwise. Receiver Diontae Johnson continues to work his way back after being cleared to return to practice this week. While he remains on the Reserve/Injured List and there hasn’t been any word on whether or not he will be activated for Sunday’s game, getting him back would be a huge boost for the offense.

“You’re talking about who you’re bringing back…what was Tae (Johnson), top five, six, seven targets last year in the NFL,” said offensive coordinator Matt Canada on Thursday. “You’re bringing back a guy like Diontae and his route running capability to do things like that. So, you talk about the passing game, just starting there, and it’s going to change a little bit.

“You bring Diontae back and you’ve got George (Pickens) out there. With Diontae back, we’ve got some more weapons which you have to respect down the field. I think having speed all around, Calvin (Austin) is obviously really fast. We’ve got some guys that we think can run, and then you’ve got Allen (Robinson) inside.

“I think adding, getting some guys back just brings us more to our full arsenal of what we think we can do and be on offense. Not necessarily major play differences, but certainly a difference in how they have to adapt to who we’ve got out there. I think those guys draw some attention.”

At left tackle, Dan Moore Jr. returned to practice this week and said he is feeling good.

“It felt really, really good,” said Moore of being back at practice. “Amazing.

“Being away wasn’t fun. Not being a part of that win a couple weeks ago, definitely missed out on a lot of fun, it looked like. Happy to be back this week, get rolling,”

Moore missed the Ravens game with a knee injury and rookie Broderick Jones, who was in a training camp competition with Moore for the starting job, stepped in.

Moore said he doesn’t know what the situation is going to be this week.

“I show up and do what I am asked,” said Moore. “That is it.”

Jones also said he isn’t sure what to expect, but is prepared for whatever comes his way.

“We still don’t know yet to this point,” said Jones.

Whether he knows or not, Jones will continue to prepare the way he has all season.

“It’s the same way as always, prepare for the worst, always plan, just be ready whenever your name is called,” said Jones.

The bye week fell at a time when the Steelers were dealing with injuries, allowing them to get some of their weapons back all across the board.

“It was getting a healthy squad back. We got a lot of people back, which was great for us,” said Jones. “I feel like that was the main focus with the offense and defense. We had injuries on both sides of the ball. Just being able to get those guys back is a big plus.”