Pittsburgh Steelers list inactive players against Chicago Bears
The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced their final list of inactive players for Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bears. Heading the list are tight end Eric Ebron and running back Anthony McFarland.
Steelers inactive players versus the Bears
Inactive — Steelers: TE Eric Ebron, RB Anthony McFarland, QB Dwayne Haskins, T Zach Banner, LB Buddy Johnson, CB Ahkello Witherspoon
After being limited on Friday, Ebron did not practice Saturday. He missed Week 8 with the same ankle injury. Rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth, who has become more involved recently, should continue to take the majority of snaps at the position.
Linebacker BJ Finney did not practice Friday with a back injury, but participated in limited drills during Saturday’s practice. He was the only Steeler listed as questionable coming into Monday’s game, and has not been ruled inactive against the Bears.
Kicker Chris Boswell suffered a concussion last week against the Cleveland Browns but was a full participant in practice in the latter part of the week. Boswell is also active for their Monday night game.
Key players that were listed on injury reports during the week for the Steelers included quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive tackle Cam Heyward. All three are seemingly good to go against Chicago after avoiding the inactive players list.
Inactive — Bears: LB Khalil Mack, LB Alec Ogletree, TE J.P. Holtz, DB Eddie Jackson, RB Damien Williams, QB Nick Foles, DB Artie Burns
No. 4 DB Eddie Jackson
No. 8 RB Damien Williams
No. 9 QB Nick Foles
No. 25 DB Artie Burns
No. 44 LB Alec Ogletree
No. 52 LB Khalil Mack
No. 81 TE J.P. Holtz
The Bears have a number of key players inactive for the game as well, including star linebacker Khalil Mack. The Bears defense will also be without Ogletree, Jackson and Burns.
Ben Roethlisberger to play despite injury
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been dealing with a shoulder injury that has been hindering him. Prior to the Bears coming to town, Tomlin revealed Roethlisberger’s status for the game.
“Coach Mike Tomlin said Ben Roethlisberger will play on Monday night against the Bears despite a right shoulder injury that showed up on the injury report on Friday,” tweeted Teresa Varley of the team’s website.
Luckily, Tomlin won’t have to try to replace Roethlisbeger as he gameplans for the Bears. The Steelers backup quarterbacks are Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins — although Haskins was ruled inactive for the game.
While Roethlisberger isn’t his old self, he’s still led the Steelers to four victories. On the season, the two-time Super Bowl champion has passed for 1,781 yards. Additionally, he’s thrown eight touchdowns, as well as four interceptions.
A victory against the Bears will help the Steelers keep pace with the better teams in the AFC, especially within their division. With a game against the Detroit Lions to follow, Tomlin and Roethlisberger are looking to put together a winning streak over the next couple games.
On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this article.