Steelers RB Najee Harris questionable for Thursday Night Football after missing walk-through
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) running back Najee Harris (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday’s injury report, putting his status for Thursday’s Week 14 home matchup against the New England Patriots (2-10) in question.
The Steelers didn’t hold an official practice Tuesday, they instead held a walk-through, making the injury report an estimation. Still, it’s something to watch for with the Steelers on a short week.
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 Tuesday 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) – Limited
DT Keeanu Benton (oblique) – Limited
DT Cameron Heyward (NIR – resting/groin) – Limited
Harris joined cornerback James Pierre (shoulder) and quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle) as non-participants. The latter 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.”
Steelers turning to Mitch Trubisky in place of Kenny Pickett
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.
“Given time to prepare, one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity,” Tomlin said. “Those are words we live by. I don’t anticipate it being an issue, given an opportunity to prepare for this next outing.”
Tight end Pat Freiermuth echoed much of the same as Tomlin.
“It’s going to be the same offense,” Freiermuth said. “Mitch takes reps in practice. We have full confidence in Mitch to execute the game plan and we are full steam ahead. Mitch is a good leader in game. He brings everyone together… Really communicates on what he wants the receivers to do and stuff. He is a good leader.
“We have full confidence in all of our quarterbacks to execute the offense and get us some wins.”