Earlier in the day on Friday, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin proclaimed rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett as doubtful for Week 15. The statuses of the other players have now come out in Friday's practice injury report. Linebacker Myles Jack seems like he won't be able to play against the Carolina Panthers.
Credit: Brooke Pryor/ESPN
After not practicing throughout the week, he is listed as doubtful for Sunday. On the contrary, he told Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he thinks he will play. The linebacker has been banged up all season, this time with a groin injury. If he can't go, it will be Robert Spillane and Devin Bush manning the middle of Pittsburgh's defense.
Steelers linebacker Myles Jack said he was able to practice today but not fully. He believes he’ll be able to play Sunday after being held out with a groin injury the last two days. Could be a game-time decision though.
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) December 16, 2022
On the positive side of things, Pat Freiermuth and Diontae Johnson will both be ready to go this weekend. Freiermuth's foot kept him out of practice all week, but he was a limited participant on Friday and off the injury report. Johnson was also limited and off the injury report, as his ongoing hip injury has held him back a bit lately.
Cornerback Josh Jackson, who appeared on the injury report and missed practice on Thursday with an ankle injury, was limited on Friday. He's likely trending toward playing, but his status may not be known more up until closer to kickoff. Larry Ogunjobi practiced fully with his ongoing toe injury after not participating on Thursday. Ogunjobi has been limited early in the week for awhile now, as the team is likely letting him rest that toe so that he can play each week.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi (#99) participates during a game at Acrisure Stadium against the New York Jets on Oct. 2, 2022. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
All in all, the Steelers once again head into their matchup mostly healthy. TJ Watt seems to be getting more and more healthy, as his rib injury is healing a decent bit. He expects to play the rest of the season, despite chatter that suggested he should sit out. Sitting at 5-8, there are just four games left in the Steelers' 2022 season.
If Jack can't go, would you give a youngster like Mark Robinson a look? Who should start at quarterback if Pickett is officially out? What are you expecting in this Week 15 matchup? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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