The Steelers opened practice for the final game of the regular season hoping it won’t be the final game of the season as a whole. In order to make the AFC playoffs, they need to beat the Browns and hope the Dolphins lose to the Bills and the Patriots lose to the Jets.
Offensive guard Kevin Dotson sat out practice with a previously undisclosed shoulder injury suffered on Sunday against the Ravens. Diontae Johnson rested his sore hip. The other injured players absent yesterday were Minkah Fitzpatrick, with an ankle injury, Myles Jack, with a groin injury, and Larry Ogunjobi, with a toe injury. Cornerback Arthur Maulet was out due to illness and running back Najee Harris was given the day off to rest.
Cornerback James Pierre was a full practice participant as he works through concussion protocol. Another cornerback, William Jackson III, was also finally cleared to practice. He’s been on injured reserve with a back injury since being acquired from Washington on November 1st.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett was chosen as this year’s winner of the Joe Greene Great Performance Award, which is the Steelers’ version of rookie of the year. The Chief Award, for cooperation with the media, was won by center Mason Cole.
NFL
Buffalo’s Damar Hamlin remains in critical condition in a Cincinnati hospital after suffering cardiac arrest during Monday night’s game. His family says he is showing signs of improvement. The NFL still has not decided how to handle the postponed game.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has released its list of 15 finalists for the class of 2023. Among the first-time eligible finalists is former Pitt cornerback Darelle Revis, along with defensive end Dwight Freeney and offensive tackle Joe Thomas. Other finalists are defensive standouts Jared Allen, DeMarcus Ware, Ronde Barber, Darren Woodson, Patrick Willis, Zach Thomas, and Albert Lewis, along with offensive players Torry Holt, Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Devin Hester, and Willie Anderson.
Former Steelers Hines Ward and James Harrison did not make the Final Fifteen. The official class of 2023 will be announced on February 9th.
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