Week 17 Injury Report (Chiefs)

The Steelers completed their preparation on Tuesday and announced the final details for Wednesday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Eve.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and receiver Ben Skowronek again did not practice and were ruled out. Quarterback Justin Fields is questionable.

Receiver George Pickens returned to practice this week with a positive outlook for his return on Christmas Day.

It’s obvious that Pickens’ return would give the offense a boost, which is welcome after two straight losses.

“I think it’s self-explanatory,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “He’s a splash playmaker. He is a one-on-one playmaker. He often controls schemes that create one-on-one plays for others or a light box regarding the run.”

“But that’s what talented outsiders do. Not just George, but anyone who has talented outsiders.”

In addition to Pickens’ return, the Steelers are hoping for safety DeShon Elliott, defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi and cornerback Donte Jackson.

Jackson said he felt good.

“Good enough to go,” Jackson said. “Just go out there, ready for battle.”

Ogunjobi, who missed the Ravens game with a groin injury, is confident he too will be ready to go.

“I should be good to go,” Ogunjobi said. “It’ll be good to be back out there.”

Wednesday’s game against the Chiefs will be the Steelers’ third game in 11 days, all games against playoff teams. And at this point in the season, physical exercises are not possible.

That’s why Tomlin said training camp prepares for times like this.

“That’s money that’s already in the bank,” Tomlin said. “That’s why we approach team development the way we do. That’s why in Latrobe we tackle every day we wear pads. That’s why we don’t shy away from building skills in this area and a mindset in this area in the early stages of team development, because we recognize that there is no chance of making up for this, especially given the nature and Way training sessions are planned in today’s NFL.

“At the start of the season you get a limited number of training sessions. In the end you get less. And that’s why I’m so committed to strengthening our group in the team building process, because these physical games require you to be more prepared for them.

With Porter dealing with the knee injury he suffered against the Ravens, fellow cornerback Cory Trice Jr. could see increased playing time for the second straight season.

Trice stepped in last week when Porter left the Ravens game, and the challenge is no easier this week as the Steelers face the Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“Cory did a good job in practice, and he did a good job (on Saturday) when he got the opportunity to get back on the bandwagon,” Tomlin said. “And he already did that at the beginning of the year, and so I expect more of that from him.”

“When it comes to going up against a guy like Mahomes, he better just focus on the fundamentals of his game. He doesn’t have enough of a resume to deal with what Mahomes does. He needs to focus on his game, his quality of play, his eyes, his techniques, his fundamentals, and I’m sure he will do that.

Trice, who has battled injuries of his own throughout his rookie season and again this year, said he was definitely up for the challenge again this week.

“I was there for us in our last game, so I’ll always feel like I’m ready,” Trice said. “I prepare every day. I definitely feel like I’m ready.”

“Being on Christmas and playing against Mahomes, I can’t wait to play against Mahomes. Just make sure we execute when the decisions come.”

The full injury report is below.