The Steelers wrapped up their preparation for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, a key early season AFC North matchup.
The Steelers have ruled out running back Rico Dowdle (toe) and guard Gennings Dunker (knee).
Injuries often mean opportunities for young players to step up, and with Michael Pittman JR. dealing with a foot injury that forced him to miss the Patriots game and limited his practice time this week, rookie Germie Bernard is someone who has stepped up. Pittman is questionable for Sunday.
"I thought he did some good things," said quarterback Aaron Rodgers of Bernard this week. "It was his first major action in a real game, and I thought he made some nice plays. I thought he ran some good routes.
"Obviously, there's stuff to clean up, but I was really pleased with Germie."
Hearing those words from a future Hall of Fame quarterback has meaning for Bernard, but for him it's just part of the game.
"I have the highest standard for myself," said Bernard. "I focus on my assignment and doing the best that I can.
"It's cool to have acknowledgement from him. I go to him and ask questions. When a play is made, and he gives me a little nod, I give him one back. It's cool.
"You always want your teammates to pat you on the back when you are doing good and stuff. I do the same for my teammates. That is just part of the game."
This will Bernard will take on the challenge of AFC North football, his first endeavor into it. If he is called upon to play more, though, he is going to treat it like he treats every other game.
"In college you have rivalry games," said Bernard. "Then you come into the league and have those things. I treat every game the same, regardless if it is a rivalry or not, a division game or not.
"Every game is the same to me."
Another player who has stepped up as of late is cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who started the first two games of the season.
"Asante is doing a good job," said Coach Mike McCarthy. "I like to rave about him because he's been on the mark since day one, all the way through the spring, training camp. He's put together two nice outings, and he's got a big challenge this week."
Sameul had spinal fusion surgery in April, 2025, coming back from the injury to sign with the Steeles last year after he was medically cleared.
"I definitely had doubts and thoughts about if I could come back," said Samuel. "Once I went through with it, I put my heart into it, the rehab, the recovery. And everything worked out.
"It's miles away from last season. I went through a lot mentally during that time and I'm just trying to get back to how I was. Physically, I can't really do as much as I could during the rehab. I was just trying to do as much as I can, while still trying to maintain what I still have."
The full practice and status report is below.
Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 3
Game Status
No. 11 WR Michael Pittman Jr. (Foot) - Questionable
No. 13 RB Rico Dowdle (Toe) - Out
No. 24 CB Joey Porter Jr. (NIR/Conditioning) - Questionable
No. 30 RB Jaylen Warren (Shoulder) - Questionable
No. 35 CB Jamel Dean (Ankle) - Questionable
No. 73 G Gennings Dunker (Knee) - Out
Friday, September 25 *
No. 5 CB Jalen Ramsey (NIR/Rest) - FP
No. 11 WR Michael Pittman Jr. (Foot) - LP
No. 13 RB Rico Dowdle (Toe) - DNP
No. 24 CB Joey Porter Jr. (NIR/Conditioning) - LP
No. 30 RB Jaylen Warren (Shoulder) - LP
No. 35 CB Jamel Dean (Ankle) - LP
No. 55 LB Cole Holcomb (NIR/Personal) - FP
No. 73 G Gennings Dunker (Knee) - DNP
*The Steelers held a walk-thru on Friday, therefore this report is an estimation of practice participation.
Thursday, September 24
No. 5 CB Jalen Ramsey (NIR/Rest) - FP
No. 11 WR Michael Pittman Jr. (Foot) - LP
No. 13 RB Rico Dowdle (Toe) - DNP
No. 24 CB Joey Porter Jr. (NIR/Conditioning) - LP
No. 30 RB Jaylen Warren (Shoulder) - LP
No. 35 CB Jamel Dean (Ankle) - LP
No. 55 LB Cole Holcomb (NIR/Personal) - DNP
No. 73 G Gennings Dunker (Knee) - LP
Wednesday, September 23
No. 5 CB Jalen Ramsey (NIR/Rest) - DNP
No. 11 WR Michael Pittman Jr. (Foot) - LP
No. 13 RB Rico Dowdle (Toe) - DNP
No. 24 CB Joey Porter Jr. (NIR/Conditioning) - LP
No. 30 RB Jaylen Warren (Shoulder) - LP
No. 35 CB Jamel Dean (Ankle) - DNP
No. 55 LB Cole Holcomb (NIR/Personal) - DNP
Cincinnati Bengals Participation/Injury Report, Week 3
Game Status
No. 80 WR Andrei Iosivas (Thumb) - Out
No. 92 DT B.J. Hill (Achilles) - Doubtful
Friday, September 25
No. 80 WR Andrei Iosivas (Thumb) - DNP
No. 92 DT B.J. Hill (Achilles) - DNP
No. 93 DT Jonathan Allen (Knee) - FP
No. 97 DT Dexter Lawrence II (NIR/Rest) - DNP
Thursday, September 24
No. 80 WR Andrei Iosivas (Thumb) - DNP
No. 92 DT B.J. Hill (Achilles) - DNP
No. 93 DT Jonathan Allen (Knee/NIR/Rest) - DNP
Wednesday, September 23
No. 80 WR Andrei Iosivas (Thumb) - DNP
No. 92 DT B.J. Hill (Achilles) - DNP
No. 93 DT Jonathan Allen (Knee) - DNP
