All of the Steelers listed with injuries were full practice participants yesterday. That included Aaron Rodgers, TJ Watt, Ben Skowronek, and Christian Kuntz. The only player missing was running back Jaylen Warren, who was out due to illness.
The Steelers’ Monday night playoff opponent, the Houston Texans, were missing starting cornerback Kamari Lassiter and offensive tackle Tytus Howard, both with leg injuries. Several others were limited, including Pro Bowl cornerback Derek Stingley and offensive tackle Trent Brown, but all of the injured Texans are expected to play on Monday.
Rodgers says the Texans have a very talented secondary which plays sound fundamental football.
Rodgers says he’s enjoyed playing for Mike Tomlin, especially working with the coach during the week.
Veteran wideout Adam Thielen, who is likely playing his last season, came to the Steelers specifically for the chance to play postseason football. He’s eager to take the field on Monday.
The Tennessee Titans have asked for permission to interview Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for their vacant head coaching job. Smith is the former OC for the Titans and is also the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. He’s a Tennessee native. Smith said yesterday talk about other jobs is a distraction from his Steelers duties, so he would not talk about it. The Titans are also interested in 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and Packers DC Jeff Hafley.
PLAYOFF COVERAGE ON WCCS
We have the NFL playoffs on WCCS this weekend, but unfortunately, we do not have rights to the Steelers’ game on Monday night. The Rams and Panthers play tomorrow, airing at 4 o’clock, followed by the Packers and Bears at 8.
On Sunday, there are three games, starting with the Bills and Jaguars at 12:30, followed by the 49ers and Eagles at 4:15 and the Chargers and Patriots at 8.
