Steelers' Mike Tomlin Is Hopeful To Have Two Cornerbacks Return For Week 11 Matchup Against Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers need all the help they can get to win their first divisional game of the season and truly gain control of the AFC North. They currently have a half-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens, who they will play in Week 11. It's a good thing that the Steelers loaded up on depth at the deadline, because they will need every healthy body to step up in this dogfight of a division, especially against the one team that always plays them tough no matter the circumstances. 

During his Tomlin Tuesdays press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin gave some injury updates across the board. The one good thing to note is that he doesn't have to list so many people as out, as the bye week gave everyone a chance to heal up. This may be the healthiest Steelers team in 2024 since training camp.

For starters, Alex Highsmith was already ruled out, as his ankle issue is expected to last for about two to three weeks. He rolled it while attempting to bring down Washington Commanders quarterback, Jayden Daniels. This is not the first time that he will miss games for the Steelers in 2024, but they are more prepared now.

In his absence, Preston Smith will take over as the starting edge rusher across from TJ Watt. The recent trade acquisition is looking to prove that he can still be a true force when he is in the correct scheme. He wanted to be in that 3-4 system, and now is his chance to show what he can do. It also helps that Nick Herbig should be back this week, as Tomlin also mentioned. Smith and Herbig should have a nice rotation as they both terrorize the quarterback.

Tomlin gave his usual Tomlinism about letting a player's participation "be our guide" to how ready they are for the upcoming game. The one guy that he mentioned with that is Cory Trice Jr., who has been on Injured Reserve (IR) since before the Steelers' Week 4 game. The Steelers will likely be cautious with his return, knowing his unfortunate history.

However, it does sound like Trice's 21-day practice window will be opened for Wednesday's practice. While there is some hope that he can come back, recent events show otherwise. Tomlin has held out players on IR for an extra week, except for special teamer Ben Skowronek, but he had the bye week to help him out. Either way, it's safe to say that Trice will be a prime candidate to return in Week 12 or 13. 

Donte Jackson left the Commanders game early with a hamstring injury and did not return. He has dealt with game-ending injuries repeatedly during his first season in Pittsburgh. With Trice's history, they need Jackson to be healthy. Tomlin gave a quick update on him as well.

"Donte Jackson, I just walked by. He feels good today, but feeling good today and executing in totality tomorrow is two different things."

Basically, Tomlin is reusing the same Tomlinism that he said for Trice this week and many others in the past. Despite all the issues that Jackson has had with his body, he has still managed to start every single game for Pittsburgh this year. It seems like he is trending in the direction of starting once again, and hopefully that is the case.

Steelers' Offensive Player Updates

Tomlin briefly mentioned that Najee Harris will likely begin the week limited, but he has no game designation as of yet. He suffered a minor injury against the Commanders, but later returned to the game. If he does miss the game, it will give the Steelers a chance to see how Jaylen Warren handles a starter's workload, considering the contract situation. Harris fortunately has a good chance to play, however.

Despite not mentioning his name, there was speculation around Calvin Austin III and his potential concussion at the end of the game, especially after signing Jamal Agnew to the practice squad. Tomlin assured the media that he will be ok. He might be limited at first, but he is expected to play.

What do you think about the Steelers' injury update prior to Week 11's practices? Let us know in the comments.

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