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.
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 Monday’s injury and practice participation report for Chiefs week:
Steelers injury report
| Player | Injury | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Game status |
| QB Justin Fields | abdominal | DNP | LP | ||
| WR George Pickens | hamstring | DNP | DNP | ||
| WR Ben Skowronek | hip | DNP | DNP | ||
| WR Mike Williams | NIR | DNP | FP | ||
| CB Joey Porter Jr. | knee | DNP | DNP | ||
| S DeShon Elliott | hamstring | LP | FP | ||
| CB Donte Jackson | back | LP | FP | ||
| LB Tyler Matakevich | knee | DNP | FP | ||
| LB Elandon Roberts | NIR | DNP | FP | ||
| OL Isaac Seumalo | NIR | DNP | FP | ||
| LB T.J. Watt | NIR | DNP | FP | ||
| DT Cameron Heyward | NIR | DNP | FP | ||
| DT Larry Ogunjobi | groin | LP | 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 | TBA | ||
| T D.J. Humphries | hamstring | DNP | |||
| LB Jack Cochrane | ankle | DNP | |||
| DL Chris Jones | calf | DNP | |||
| T Jawaan Taylor | knee | LP | |||
| C Creed Humphrey | shoulder | FP | |||
| QB Patrick Mahomes | ankle | FP | |||
| S Justin Reid | back | FP | |||
| WR Nikkom Remigio | knee | FP | |||
| CB Josh Williams | ankle/elbow | FP | |||
| WR Xavier Worthy | ankle | FP |
DNP: Did not practice
LP: Limited participation
FP: Full participation
NIR: Not injury related – resting
George Pickens injury update
On Sunday’s non-practice report, George Pickens was an estimated limited participant but practiced fully on Tuesday. Pickens has missed the last three matchups after injuring his hamstring during practice ahead of the Week 14 dust-up with the Cleveland Browns.
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. Porter will not likely recover in time for the quick turnaround on Christmas Day.
DeShon Elliott injury update
Pittsburgh’s secondary sorely missed DeShon Elliott’s presence in Weeks 15 and 16. Elliott is second only to Patrick Queen in tackles with 96, and the Steelers have missed a whopping 36 tackles since he injured his hamstring in the Week 14 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
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