The Steelers began their preparation for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, a game that is key for both teams with the playoff races heating up.
Per Coach Mike Tomlin, the team didn't have their normal practice, but instead opted for a 'high intensity walk-through' coming off a Monday night game.
"We will work hard and smart, and sometimes that means being inclusive," said Tomlin. "So, we've probably got a high intensity walk-through on the menu (Wednesday) in an effort to have as many people participate as we can as opposed to running and practicing.
"Again, that's not outside of the ordinary this time of year. You do what you need to do in an effort to get the collective ready, and also get them to the stadium in as good of physical condition as you can get them as well.
"You certainly hope that there is a cumulative effect of the daily work we've had over the course of this journey that can be an asset that we can summon up when we get pressed on a short week like this week."
As of his weekly Tuesday press conference, Tomlin didn't have any updates on the health and status of linebacker T.J. Watt, who missed Monday night's game against the Dolphins with a lung issue. Watt did not practice on Wednesday.
"No new news on T.J.," said Tomlin. "I'm sure I will a little later in the week, but I hadn't heard any new updates regarding his availability or what that looks like as he starts to work his way back to us this week, and so no real news there."
One of the players who stepped in to replace him on Monday night, linebacker Nick Herbig, is dealing with a hamstring injury and didn't practice on Wednesday. He and guard Isaac Seumalo, who left the Dolphins game with what was announced as a tricep injury, are expected to be limited some this week and Seumalo also didn't practice on Wednesday.
"Issac Seumalo got hurt (Monday) night," said Tomlin. "I don't know what his status is as I stand here today. I would imagine he certainly is going to be limited at the early portions of week and see where it leads us.
"Same thing could be said for Herbig with his hamstring. See where it leads us."
The arrow seems to be pointing up for rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon. Harmon missed the last three games with a knee injury, but he is on the mend. He was a full participant on Wednesday.
"We had some guys that missed the previous game or games and are angling toward getting back," said Tomlin. "Probably the most favorable of those is Derrick Harmon.
"He was probably healthy enough to play at the very end of last week, but as a young guy with limited rep opportunities, I didn't think it would be fair to him or for us to put him in uniform.
"So he'll have an opportunity to get a complete week's work, go back to his hometown, and play some football. Excited about getting him back. He certainly has been an asset to us particularly in terms of defending and stopping the run, and anticipating what we're going to face this week, man, that will be big.
"Some other guys working their way back, (Andrus) Peat is still in the (concussion) protocol, so we'll let the protocol be our guide in terms of his availability. James Pierre was limited with a calf last week. See where that leads us."
The Steelers have relied on their depth as injuries mounted this year, including players quarterback Aaron Rodgers called 'castoffs' from other teams who have been big contributors for the Steelers, especially when injuries have occurred.
"I'm never surprised by that to be honest with you," said Tomlin. "That's why we have cliches like the standard is the standard, one man's misfortune is another man's opportunity.
"It's not if, it's when as it pertains to injury in our business. So, if you're in a position like mine, you better work your tail off to ready each and every man that's a part of the program and have that urgency daily. I certainly do, and we do as a staff.
"But those are the guys that are deserving of the credit. I'll never ask guys to be patient. I'll ask them to work while they wait, and a lot of guys have done that. We get performances like many of them just displayed. It's just evidence that they have, and certainly some of them are going to get additional opportunities to do so, and maybe some new guys will get opportunities to do so as we move forward. That's just the nature of this thing.
"I think your ability to adapt and adjust and pivot often defines a collective, and certainly we've had some opportunities to do so. We have had success at times and we better keep digging, because I've just been on enough of these journeys. I know it's a component of it."
The full injury and practice report is below
Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 16
Wednesday, December 17
No. 8 QB Aaron Rodgers (Left Wrist) - Full
No. 15 WR Ben Skowronek (Illness/Hand) - Limited
No. 42 CB James Pierre (Calf) - DNP
No. 51 LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring) - DNP
No. 71 OL Andrus Peat (Concussion) - Limited
No. 73 G Isaac Seumalo (Triceps) - DNP
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt (Lung) - DNP
No. 99 DT Derrick Harmon (Knee) - Full
Detroit Lions Participation/Injury Report, Week 16
Wednesday, December 17
No. 68 T Taylor Decker (Shoulder) - DNP
No. 31 S Kerby Joseph (Knee) - DNP
No. 57 OL Trystan Colon (Wrist) - Limited
No. 59 T Giovanni Manu (Knee) - Limited
No. 21 DB Amik Robertson (Hand) - Limited
No. 33 RB Sione Vaki (Thumb) - Limited
No. 74 G Kayode Awosika (Foot) - Full
No. 12 S Thomas Harper (Concussion) - Full
No. 73 G Christian Mahogany (Fibula) - Full
*The Lions conducted a walk-through on Wednesday. Practice participation designations for that day are based on estimations
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