With an unusual NFL slate due to Christmas taking place on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers will take the field Saturday evening in Week 16. Of course, celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the "Immaculate Reception" as well as the life of legendary running back Franco Harris are at the forefront. There's still a game to be played though, and head coach Mike Tomlin's message this week was to honor Harris through their play on Saturday.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
The wind chill at Acrisure Stadium will be well into the negatives, making for one of the coldest games in team history. The Las Vegas Raiders, also sitting at 6-8, have slim playoff chances like the Steelers. The loser of Saturday's game will essentially be officially eliminated from postseason contention, while the winner will gain a glimmer of hope. On Thursday, star wideout Diontae Johnson was officially ruled questionable for this weekend with a turf toe injury.
According to running back Najee Harris via Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Johnson returned to practice on Friday.
Najee Harris says the Steelers had Diontae Johnson (toe) and George Pickens (illness) back at practice today. Johnson is listed as questionable for tomorrow night.
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) December 23, 2022
That's optimistic news for Johnson, who is coming off his best game of the season against the Carolina Panthers last weekend. With rookie Kenny Pickett officially back in the lineup against the Raiders, Johnson will look to build that momentum if he plays. As of now, he's still listed as questionable. Meanwhile, fellow wide receiver George Pickens returned to practice on Friday as well. The rookie didn't participate on Thursday due to an illness.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
While linebacker Myles Jack is listed as questionable with a groin injury, he practiced fully on Thursday. After missing Week 15, he seems likely to return to action. Safety Terrell Edmunds' status is a bit more unclear, as he didn't practice all week with a hamstring injury. Edmunds has enjoyed the best season of his career in 2022, so he would be greatly missed on the defensive side of things if he's unable to go.
No one else has any doubt regarding their game availability for Saturday. That means Pickett will return from his concussion suffered a few weeks ago. Harris is good to go as well after being limited early in the week with a hip issue. Veteran defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi has sat out of practice all week with an ongoing toe injury, but he will still play Saturday.
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