The Steelers started the practice week with running back Najee Harris (knee), guard Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) and outside linebacker T.J. Watt (knee) not practicing. Inside linebacker Elandon Roberts (pectoral) was limited, as well as defensive tackles Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi, and cornerback Patrick Peterson. All three veterans had rest days.
Harris and Seumalo have missed multiple practice days throughout the back half of the season due to their injuries. However, neither have missed a game because of their ailments, and aren’t expected to this week.
Roberts was expected to be limited throughout the week, but after returning from his pectoral injury last week, he’s not expected to miss, either.
Head coach Mike Tomlin did rule Watt out for the Wild Card round after suffering a grade 2 MCL sprain in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens. The team will hope to re-evaluate his injury if they win against the Buffalo Bills this weekend in the opening round of the playoffs.
As for Fitzpatrick, Tomlin said the team is “optimistic” he’ll return after missing multiple weeks with his knee injury. Fitzpatrick has not played since suffering the injury against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.