Steelers' Week 5 Injury Report Features Kenny Pickett And Alex Highsmith

As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to work on their game plan for the upcoming Sunday matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the unwavering focus of fans remains fixed upon quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett garnered immense attention from both his teammates and the coaching staff as they closely monitored his recovery progress after sustaining a knee injury last week against the Houston Texans. The anticipation surrounding Pickett's potential return to the field intensified each day after, as everyone awaited the verdict of his injury. 

Reports emerged on Tuesday indicating that Pickett was facing the challenge of a bone bruise, fortunately without any accompanying ligament damage. This result turned out to be a good outcome for Pittsburgh, given that a different outcome would have most likely meant he would've been sidelined for a minimum of four weeks.

It is assumed that Pickett actively participated in practice on Thursday, indicating his commitment and involvement in the team's preparations. In addition, another crucial component of the offense is currently grappling with an injury concern, although he has not been able to join his teammates on the field throughout this week's practice sessions. It has been reported that Pat Freiermuth sustained a hamstring injury during the Texans game, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin has expressed significant doubt regarding his availability for the upcoming Sunday game.

With Freiermuth sidelined, the team has made the decision to elevate tight end Rodney Williams from the practice squad to the official 53-man roster. Williams, who was initially signed to the practice squad at the commencement of the season, has spent the majority of the 2022 season honing his skills in that capacity. Throughout this time, he has displayed remarkable patience, while eagerly anticipating an opportunity to display his abilities on the field. 

"I am excited. I have to stay even-keeled," said Williams. "You can't let the moment get too big for you. I am definitely excited to show what I have and showcase my talents... [I can be] a vertical threat at the tight end position. The strong suit of my game is the pass game, getting open. I am also not afraid to mix it up, hold it up on the backside."

In addition to these two, there is another name on the injury list in the form of linebacker Alex Highsmith, who is currently dealing with a groin injury. Highsmith's name has not appeared on the team's injury report prior to this, which raises questions about the origin of his injury. It remains unclear whether he sustained it on the same day he missed practice or if it has been a recurring issue in the past. Consequently, the impact of this injury and his availability for the upcoming game is unknown; there is now uncertainty surrounding his availability for Week 5, as his status is in jeopardy. In order to have any possibility of playing against Baltimore, he will most likely need to engage in some form of practice on Friday.

Steelers' List of Injuries Continues to Grow

Further updates to the injury report have been made, including for defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal and inside linebacker Cole Holcomb. Leal, who is currently undergoing the NFL's concussion protocol, participated in practice on Thursday, but was limited in his activities. On the other hand, Holcomb, who was previously limited due to a back injury, was able to fully participate in practice. Unfortunately, several players were unable to practice due to their respective injuries. Starting right guard James Daniels suffered a groin injury, punter Pressley Harvin III with a hamstring issue, and left tackle Dan Moore Jr. is with a knee injury.

What are your predictions for the Steelers' performance in their upcoming game against the Ravens, taking into account the significant number of players currently sidelined due to injuries? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!

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