The Steelers are going into buffalo week pretty banged up.
Following the announcement of Kenny Pickett getting the start against the Bills in Buffalo this Sunday, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said several players are dealing with injuries.
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon is expected to miss practice this week and will likely be out Sunday against Buffalo.
Witherspoon was injured in the Thursday night game against the Cleveland Browns
Both safeties Terrell Edmunds (concussion protocol) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) could be limited at the beginning of the week, with Tomlin adding that Fitzpatrick’s injury “needs to be managed.”
Cornerback Cam Sutton is dealing with a groin and hamstring injury and defensive tackle Cam Heyward has and elbow and an ankle injury.
Even with all those injury issues, Tomlin said he isn’t overly concerned.
“I don’t necessarily view that as a negative to be quite honest with you, it might minimize these guys some during the week, but what it will do is provide more reps for those that are playing in place of them,” said Tomlin. “We’re going to remain hopeful about the inclusion of these guys and we’re going to let their participation and the quality of their participation as we get to the latter part of the week be our guide in terms of them being available to us.”
With Witherspoon and Fitzpatrick expected to be out at least early in the week, James Pierre and Tre Norwood will get a more snaps to prove themselves in practice.
Tomlin also said linebacker T.J. Watt still has a couple more weeks before he can return.
Rookie wide receiver Calvin Austin is eligible to return to practice this week and begin the 21-day window for him to return to the team.
Austin has been out with a foot injury since the preseason.