The Steelers continued their preparation for Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, practicing indoors at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
On the quarterback front, Kenny Pickett was limited again on Wednesday.
“We had a good day today,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “We’ll see how his body responds to the work today and make plans for tomorrow accordingly.
“He is where I thought he would be. Tomorrow is a big day.”
The plan still is for Mason Rudolph to be the starter on Saturday.
“I’ve got a lot of good relationships with the guys in the locker room,” said Rudolph. “I think anytime you’re here as long as I’ve been here, you had better have some or you’re probably not a good dude. But yeah, guys are excited for me and I’m excited to go out there and you know, you think as it has a third-string quarterback, you feel like you’re sort really earning your paycheck week to week. And so, I finally get to earn it this week and put my hand in the pile and go fight for victory together.”
With safety Minkah Fitzpatrick already ruled out, Damontae Kazee suspended, and Trenton Thompson not practicing for the second straight day with a stinger, it’s going to be a group effort to replace him. Against the Colts, cornerback Patrick Peterson stepped in somewhat and is willing to do whatever he can.
“That was my first time really getting some real quality safety reps last week against the Colts,” said Peterson. “I felt pretty good, honestly. Coach Grady (Brown) and Coach (Mike) Tomlin did a great job of putting me in position throughout OTAs, minicamp, training camp to make sure if this opportunity did present itself, I wouldn’t be out there running around like a chicken with my head cut off.
“I feel pretty comfortable back there. The visual is a little bit different. The more reps I get the more comfortable I’ll be.”
Defensive back Elijah Riley continues to work his way back, although he remains on the Reserve/Injured List. Riley was a full participant on Wednesday.
The Steelers have a 21-day window to either activate him to the 53-man roster, or he remains on the Reserve/Injured List the remainder of the year.
“It felt good,” said Riley of being back. “I missed being out there on the field with the guys. That is probably the biggest part of why I enjoy the sport, being out there with dudes I care about and playing ball.”
Riley is hoping the week goes well and he will be back sooner rather than later, especially with the team dealing with issues at the safety position, including Fitzpatrick’s knee injury that has him ruled out this week and Damontae Kazee suspended for the remainder of the season.
“God has a funny way of working. Divine timing,” said Riley. “You never want to see guys go down or Kazee’s situation take place.
“But the timing of it just works out. I am on the mend, ready to get back to playing. The space is open for me to step up and help this team out.”
The full injury report is below.
