The Steelers hit the practice field yesterday for tomorrow’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and while it was not an all-out workout, with the team playing its third game in eleven days, it was notable for who did and did not participate. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and wide receiver Ben Skowronek were absent, but the other injured Steelers who missed Saturday’s game in Baltimore were all full participants, including cornerback Donte Jackson and strong safety DeShon Elliott, who will be called upon to step up against Patrick Mahomes tomorrow. Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi also was full-go.
On the offensive side, wide receiver George Pickens practiced with no restrictions after missing the last three games.
Quarterback Russell Wilson says the Steelers have to have short memories, both of the two recent losses and from play to play in the course of a game.
The Chiefs are 14-1 coming into the game and are loaded with talent and experience, from quarterback Patrick Mahomes to his favorite target, tight end Travis Kelce. Mahomes is not having his customary spectacular season, but his numbers are still pretty good…a 91.3 passer rating, a 67% completion percentage, and 23 touchdown passes. His biggest negative is his 11 interceptions, but nine of those were in the Chiefs’ first seven games. He threw two picks on November 17th in a loss to the Bills, but has had none in the last five games.
Defensive tackle Cam Heyward says Chiefs’ unheralded offensive line is the key to Mahomes making plays.
Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 1 o’clock at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson finds himself with his fourth team in 2024. He was claimed by the Houston Texans off waivers from Baltimore yesterday. The Steelers did not put in a waiver claim for Johnson after his release from the Ravens. The Chargers were the only other team to make a claim. Both the Texans and Chargers are ahead of the Steelers in the waiver line.
Johnson will get a chance to line up against the team which released him when the Texans play the Ravens in Houston tomorrow.
Last night, Green Bay shut out New Orleans 34-0 to cap off Week 16 of the NFL season.
