PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Several injured players returned to full practice on Monday, the only practice before the Chiefs game on Christmas Day. They include several starters who have missed a couple of games.
Wide receiver George Pickens missed the Eagles and Ravens games, he went full on Monday. Even missing the last couple of weeks, Pickens is only 150 yards from a 1,000-yard season. Russell Wilson said there are only a handful of players in the world that can do what Pickens does. Pickens said he believes the offense missed him and he’s excited to play on Christmas, although he hopes it doesn’t snow.
You can trace the defensive communication breakdowns to not having safety DeShon Elliott. He practiced full. Even though he’s missed the last two games, he still remains the Steelers second-leading tackler.
“He's really a physical, really ‘in-the-box’ defender. Love the way he triggers in the run game and the physicality that he brings and the temperament that he brings,” said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “You can see that you miss that a little bit with him not being in there.”
Also full, corner Donte Jackson, who missed last week and has been fighting through a pinched nerve in his back. He leads the Steelers with five interceptions and likely will be the only starter out there as Joey Porter did not practice.
Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi has been dealing with a groin injury. The veteran went full after also missing a couple of games.
Limited on Monday, quarterback Justin Fields, suffered an abdomen injury early in the loss to the Eagles and didn’t even dress as the emergency quarterback in Baltimore.
Along with Porter, receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) did not practice and either are expected to play Wednesday.