The Pittsburgh Steelers face a tough challenge as they host the 14-1 Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. This holiday matchup is shaping up to be a key test for the Steelers, who are playing their third game in 10 days and battling to solidify their playoff position.
Facing Patrick Mahomes and the high-powered Chiefs offense is never easy, but Pittsburgh’s defense, anchored by T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, will look to make a statement.
Offensively, the Steelers’ success will hinge on Russell Wilson, whose declined play has lost Pittsburgh its last two matchups. Let’s hope he can find a rhythm with George Pickens back in the lineup.
Special teams could also play a big role, boasting capable kickers in Chris Boswell and Harrison Butker. While the Chiefs are 3-point favorites on the road, the Steelers are 5-1 at Acrisure Stadium.
Here’s a look at the final injury and practice participation report for Chiefs week:
Steelers injury report
| Player | Injury | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Game status |
| QB Justin Fields | abdominal | DNP | LP | LP | questionable |
| WR George Pickens | hamstring | DNP | DNP | FP | – |
| WR Ben Skowronek | hip | DNP | DNP | DNP | out |
| WR Mike Williams | NIR | DNP | FP | FP | – |
| CB Joey Porter Jr. | knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | out |
| S DeShon Elliott | hamstring | LP | FP | FP | – |
| CB Donte Jackson | back | LP | FP | FP | – |
| LB Tyler Matakevich | knee | DNP | FP | FP | – |
| LB Elandon Roberts | NIR | DNP | FP | FP | – |
| OL Isaac Seumalo | NIR | DNP | FP | FP | – |
| LB T.J. Watt | NIR | DNP | FP | FP | – |
| DT Cameron Heyward | NIR | DNP | FP | FP | – |
| DT Larry Ogunjobi | groin | LP | FP | FP | – |
* The Steelers did not practice on Sunday, only a walkthrough on Monday
DNP: Did not practice
LP: Limited participation
FP: Full participation
NIR: Not injury related – resting
Chiefs injury report
| Player | Injury | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Game status |
| DB Chamarri Conner | concussion | DNP | DNP | DNP | out |
| T D.J. Humphries | hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | out |
| LB Jack Cochrane | ankle | DNP | – | – | – |
| DL Chris Jones | calf | DNP | DNP | LP | questionable |
| T Jawaan Taylor | knee | LP | – | LP | questionable |
| C Creed Humphrey | shoulder | FP | FP | FP | – |
| QB Patrick Mahomes | ankle | FP | FP | FP | – |
| S Justin Reid | back | FP | FP | FP | – |
| WR Nikkom Remigio | knee | FP | FP | FP | – |
| CB Josh Williams | ankle/elbow | FP | FP | FP | – |
| WR Xavier Worthy | ankle | FP | FP | FP | – |
DNP: Did not practice
LP: Limited participation
FP: Full participation
NIR: Not injury related – resting
George Pickens injury update
After missing the last three matchups, the Steelers get their star receiver back in a game they must win for a much-needed bye week. Hopefully Pickens returning to the lineup will get Russell Wilson back in the groove.
Joey Porter Jr. injury update
Joey Porter Jr. suffered a knee injury during Pittsburgh’s Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The injury occurred in the second half, forcing Porter to leave the game and not return. Due to the quick four-day turnaround, Porter will not play versus the Chiefs.
DeShon Elliott injury update
DeShon Elliott was a full practice participant on Monday and Tuesday and will play on Wednesday. Pittsburgh’s secondary sorely missed Elliott’s presence in Weeks 15 and 16. He’s second only to Patrick Queen in tackles with 96, and the Steelers have missed a whopping 36 tackles since his hamstring injury in the Week 14 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
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