The Steelers took the field yesterday for their first practice of Ravens week, but four players sat out. Running back Najee Harris, linebacker Malik Reed, tackle Chuks Okorafor, and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobee were all absent with a variety of nagging injuries. Linebacker TJ Watt and wide receiver Diontae Johnson were limited.
The Steelers signed linebacker/special teamer Emeke Egbule to the practice squad and cut running back Master Teague.
The combination of Ravens week and December football were the talk of the locker room after practice yesterday. Quarterback Kenny Pickett said the Steelers just have to focus on the task at hand, week by week.
Pickett said he understands the frustration expressed by wide receiver George Pickens on Sunday against Atlanta. He said Pickens just wants to help the team win.
Pickett says the Ravens are a ball-hawking defensive team and that puts a premium on protecting against turnovers.
Pickett says the Steelers as a team and he personally realize that there is no special magic that creates success.
Tight end Pat Freiermuth says the season’s intensity has picked up with the turning of the calendar.
Cornerback Levi Wallace says quarterback Tyler Huntley, who may start in place of the injured Lamar Jackson for the Ravens, is very similar to Jackson.
Jackson and nine other Ravens sat out of their practice yesterday. They did get back linebacker Patrick Queen and tackle Ronnie Stanley.
Wallace says the Ravens force their opponents’ secondary to play a complete all-around game.
The NFL week kicks off tonight with the Rams hosting the Raiders in LA. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was studying the Rams playbook while waiting in line for his flight from Charlotte after being claimed off waivers by the Rams. Coach Sean McVay did not commit to a starter for the game, but did say Mayfield will likely be in uniform.
Buffalo linebacker Von Miller is out for the season after exploratory knee surgery yesterday revealed that his ACL was torn. It was believed that Miller had only a torn meniscus, but the damage turned out to be more severe.
