The Pittsburgh Steelers playoff hopes are slim, but still alive heading into Week 14 of the 2022 season after starting the year 2-6. The Baltimore Ravens come to town in a critical divisional showdown. The biggest talking point throughout the week has been former MVP and elusive quarterback, Lamar Jackson expected to be out for the game with a knee injury. It shouldn't change much for Pittsburgh's game plan as Tyler Huntley, his backup, is perfectly capable of making plays with his legs as well. As far as injuries go for the home team, the inactives remain the same as they were a week ago against the Atlanta Falcons.
Steelers' T.J. Watt (#90) smiles as he gets ready for a 2022 regular season matchup against Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts. | Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Reining AP Defensive Player of the Year, T.J. Watt has been dealing with an injury to his ribs while wide receiver, Diontae Johnson had a hip injury come up after the team's win over the Falcons. Both were questionable after Friday's practice, but neither had a setback in pregame warmups and will suit up against Baltimore. Isaiahh Loudermilkk will get a jersey to help with depth against a strong Ravens' rushing attack.
As far as the Steelers inactives go, nothing has changed from last week. The same five guys will watch in street clothes as Pittsburgh looks to continue their late season playoff push deeper into December football.
1.) Mason Rudolph, QB
Rudolph's time with the organization that drafted him is coming to an end and it probably feels like this season has moved in slow motion for the veteran. He has not taken an in-game snap since the preseason and won't be active for the rest of the year unless one of the two guys in front of him ends up with an injury that causes either of them to find their name on this last over the course of the next five weeks.
Steelers cornerback, Josh Jackson (#16) warms up on the field at Acrisure Stadium before a 2022 regular season matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
2.) Josh Jackson, CB
Jackson played in four games this season when there were injuries to the secondary, but even with Ahkello Witherspoon landing on IR, Jackson is fifth in line and won't find himself on the active roster in the near future, barring an injury.
3.) Kendrick Green, OL
Green is going to be a legitimate candidate to be cut next August prior to the 2023 season. He hasn't been active for a game in 2022 and after a rookie year that was riddled with challenges and poor play, the offensive lineman has not had a chance to prove himself for the last four months. It's a hard to swallow when guys like Amon-Ra St. Brown were drafted after him almost two years ago.
4.) Malik Reed, LB
Reed has been dealing with a back injury and whether he was good to go or not, having Loudermilk on the defensive line was maybe a little more important in terms of where the team needed the most depth Sunday. His inactive status should lead one to believe there are no concerns about Watt's healthy. With that said, if the dominant edge rusher aggravates his injury, the defense will be extremely light on the ends.
5.) Mark Robinson, LB
Fans loved what Robinson showed throughout the preseason. The seventh-round pick has seen action in just one contest while being active for two. Head coach, Mike Tomlin seems to be very comfortable with his inside linebackers and Robinson is going to have to scratch and claw his way back onto the 53-man roster next season. He will continue to be inactive unless someone's performance dips or an injury arises.
Are you surprised by the inactives for Week 14? Let us know in the comments below!
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