Steelers RB Najee Harris didn't practice, listed as questionable for TNF vs. Patriots
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) running back Najee Harris (knee) didn’t practice Wednesday and has officially been listed as questionable for the Week 14 home tilt against the New England Patriots (2-10) Thursday.
Harris has been listed as a non-participant on the injury report all week. In addition to Harris, linebacker Elandon Roberts (groin), center Mason Cole (neck) and guard Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) are all questionable. Quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle) and cornerback James Pierre (shoulder) have been ruled out.
Harris, 25, has yet to miss a game in his Steelers career. In 12 games this season, he has rushed for 661 yards on 4.2 yards per carry and four touchdowns. His usage has been dialed back compared to the prior two seasons, much to do with the emergence of second-year running back Jaylen Warren. Warren has received 102 carries, rushing for 601 yards on a league-leading 5.9 yards per carry and three scores.
Steelers Wednesday injury report
QB Kenny Pickett (ankle) – DNP
RB Najee Harris (knee) – DNP
S Minkah Fitzpatrick (hand) – Full
CB James Pierre (shoulder) – DNP
LB Elandon Roberts (groin) – Limited
DT Montravius Adams (ankle) – Full
C Mason Cole (neck) – Limited
OG Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) – DNP
DT Keeanu Benton (oblique) – Limited
DT Cameron Heyward (NIR – resting/groin) – Limited
Najee Harris could become latest Steeler to potentially miss game
With Pickett already sidelined for the foreseeable future, Harris’ availability will be key for the Steelers’ offense. Pickett underwent successful surgery on his ankle Monday after suffering the injury in the 24-10 Week 13 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals (3-10) Sunday.
Head coach Mike Tomlin would not say how many games Pickett might miss beyond the game against New England. Asked whether there was season-ending concern regarding the injury, Tomlin said, “No.”
Veteran backup Mitch Trubisky will get the start in place of Pickett. Trubisky has started 55 games in his career, five coming last season with the Steelers. He completed 11-of-17 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown in relief of Pickett against Arizona.
“Mitch prepares week in and week out like he’s the starter,” offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner said. “You feel perfectly fine with him going in there because he does everything he needs to do to be duly prepared for the opponent we have. From that standpoint, we don’t have any anxiety about him going in there and being able to produce.
“The one thing I’ve noticed about Mitch is he hasn’t flinched at all. Like going back to last year, he comes in every day, has his hard hat on to go to work. That makes you feel good as a coach because you know he’s preparing himself the proper way. I don’t think anything’s changed from when he’s been a starter.”