:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65451173/1180066715.jpg.0.jpg)
The Pittsburgh Steelers finished up their final practice of the week in preparation for the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday. According to the Steelers PR Department, five players are out on Sunday while another remains questionable.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19280084/2A3D5065_CA9E_4D9A_99F9_416F4C62D7A6.jpeg)
Quarterback Mason Rudolph was able to continue in a limited capacity at practice Friday as he continues to work his way through the NFL’s concussion protocol but has been ruled out for Sunday’s game. While the Steelers had been noncommittal on who will start at quarterback on Sunday, it is now Devlin Hodges who will get the nod.
Steelers ruling out QB Mason Rudolph from Sunday night’s game against the Chargers. Devlin Hodges will make his first NFL start.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2019
As a result, Paxton Lynch has been promoted from the practice squad to serve in the backup role. Additionally, Trey Edmunds was promoted for running back depth. In turn, the Steelers have waived OLB Jayrone Elliott and OG Fred Johnson.
With Mason Rudolph officially ruled out, the Steelers have promoted PS QB Paxton Lynch. Team also promoted RB Trey Edmunds with Jaylen Samuels our.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 11, 2019
Steelers waived OL Fred Johnson and LB Jayrone Elliott to make room.
Although there was hope that he could return this week, Roosevelt Nix is out again for the fifth straight week with a knee injury. As expected, both James Washington and Jaylen Samuels are also out for Sunday’s matchup. Samuels was ruled out on Tuesday when head coach Mike Tomlin Samuels had his knee scoped the previous day. Washington is rumored to be out for several weeks and will miss the first game of his NFL career due to injury. Mark Barron is another player who is ruled out after not practicing all week.
Anthony Chickillo looks to return to the Steelers lineup from his foot injury which has kept him out of the last three games and does not carry an injury designation. Steven Nelson is nursing a groin injury and had been limited all week. Nelson is listed as questionable and Artie Burns is expecting to get the start in his place on Sunday.
Artie Burns said he expects to start at cornerback Sunday night for the Steelers vs. the Chargers after getting almost all the reps in practice this week. He said Steven Nelson got limited action today.
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) October 11, 2019
Vance McDonald is still dealing with his shoulder issue but was able to participate fully in practice on Friday. Surprisingly, he doesn’t carry an injury status for Sunday.
As for the Chargers status report, it can be seen below courtesy of ESPN’s Eric Williams.
Chargers injury report -- DOUBTFUL: K Michael Badgley (right groin), S Nasir Adderley (hamstring), RB Justin Jackson. QUESTIONABLE: TE Hunter Henry (knee), DE Melvin Ingram (hamstring). https://t.co/79ITi5qIlp
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) October 11, 2019
Melvin Ingram is questionable with a hamstring injury, but could play Sunday. Ingram was limited Friday, will be a game-time decision: "He’s a veteran player, and he knows how to take care of himself,” Anthony Lynn said. “So if he tells me he can to go, then I trust him."
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) October 11, 2019
Hunter Henry was a full participant in practice on Friday, and according to Anthony Lynn, has a chance to play on Sunday: “We’ll come out tomorrow, and we’ll have a jog through and see how he feels,” Lynn said. “If feels good, then yeah, I’ll put him out there for a few plays.”
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) October 11, 2019