Steelers Injury Report: As usual, Ben Roethlisberger sits out practice on Wednesday

The Steelers are once again working on a short week as they return to practice with only one day of recovery following their Monday night loss to the Bengals. In the first injury report for the Steelers for Week 16 courtesy of the Steelers PR Department, the Steelers had 5 players out due to injury and 3 miss due to a coach’s decision.

Steelers PR Department

The best news from the injury report is the return of rookie guard Kevin Dotson who missed the Steelers Week 15 game with a shoulder injury. Hopeful he can return against the Colts, Dotson was a full participant in practice on Wednesday which is a great way to start his week of preparation.

Leaving the game early on Monday night with a concussion, fullback Derek Watt was able to practice on Wednesday as a full participant. Additionally, tight end Eric Ebron left Monday night with back injury and was unable to practice on Wednesday. Occasionally given Wednesdays off earlier in the season, dealing with an injury is no surprise Ebron sat out. But if Ebron is unable to participate as the week goes on, the Steelers could be down to one tight end on the roster.

Running back James Conner was ruled out Monday with a quad injury after practicing in a limited capacity the final two practices of Week 15. On Wednesday, Conner was back as a full participant as he looks to return to the field on Sunday.

Also included on the report was Ben Roethlisberger who was given the day off not due to injury. While many were looking for Roethlisberger to practice more in order to gain back some of his rhythm in the Steelers offense, the fact the Steelers were down a recovery day did not help the situation as Roethlisberger was given the practice off. Additionally, Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro did not practice without any injury designation.

There were several other players who did not practice on Wednesday who dealt with injuries in-game Monday night. Marcus Allen had a shoulder stinger on the final play of the third quarter but did return to the game. He was one of four other players who missed Wednesday’s practice due to injury along with Ulysees Gilbert (ankle), Stephon Tuitt (back), and Olasunkanmi Adeniyi (shoulder).

As for the Colts’ official injury report, you can see the names below courtesy of Steelers.com.

Indianapolis Colts Participation/Injury Report, Week 16

Wednesday, December 23

DT/DE Denico Autry (NIR) - DNP

DT DeForest Buckner (Ankle) - DNP

TE Trey Burton (NIR) - DNP

T Anthony Castonzo (Knee) - DNP

DE Justin Houston (NIR) - DNP

WR Marcus Johnson (Quadriceps) - DNP

QB Phillip Rivers (Toe) - DNP

TE Mo Alie-Cox (Knee) - Limited

DE Al-Quadin Muhammed (Ankle) - Limtied

C/G Quenton Nelson (Back) - Limited

For more information on the Steelers injury report, check out the injury report podcast below: