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The Pittsburgh Steelers had their first practice of Week 17 as they prepare to take on the Baltimore Ravens. According to the Steelers PR Department, there were nine players who did not participate in practice on Wednesday, three of which were due to injury.
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Quarterback Mason Rudolph was placed on the Reserve/Injured List on Tuesday, therefore he will no longer show on an injury report as he does not take up a spot on the 53-man roster. Maurkice Pouncey will be on the report with his knee injury even though he has already been ruled out by head coach Mike Tomlin in his Tuesday press conference. Pouncey has not been put on the IR and therefore would be eligible to play beyond Week 17 should the Steelers qualify for the postseason.
James Conner was unable to practice on Wednesday with his thigh injury. Although not as severe as initially feared, Coach Tomlin did not seem overly optimistic of Conner’s chances to play in Baltimore on Sunday. Conner has not been ruled out and will have a chance to return to practice this week if able.
An injured player new to the list was cornerback Steven Nelson who was sidelined with a groin injury. No details are available as to the extent of his injury at this time, so Nelson’s availability throughout the week will determine his status for Sunday.
The other players who did not practice on Wednesday were due to a coaches decision. Mark Barron, David DeCastro, Vance McDonald, and Alejandro Villanueva. were given their typical veteran’s day off yet again. Much like last week, T.J. Watt was also given off the opening practice of the week. The final player who received the day off of practice due to a coaches decision was Cameron Heyward.
As for the Ravens’ injury report, it can be seen below courtesy of Steelers.com. The Ravens did not hold practice on Wednesday, so their injury report is their own estimation of players participation.
Baltimore Ravens Participation/Injury Report, Week 17
Wednesday, December 25TE Mark Andrews (Ankle) - DNP
CB Brandon Carr (NIR) - DNP
RB Mark Ingram (Ankle) - DNP
CB Marcus Peters (Chest) - DNP
CB Jimmy Smith (NIR) - DNP
S Earl Thomas (NIR) - DNP
The Ravens did not practice today. Practice participation is an estimation