Steelers’ Wild Card Injury Report: Early Concerns and Updates

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a do-or-die playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. In the NFL postseason, it’s either win and advance to the divisional round or lose and go home. The Steelers were humiliated in a 34-17 loss the last time Baltimore and are looking for payback.

Completing this revenge tour is going to require all hands on deck. Unfortunately, Steelers starting right guard Mason McCormick suffered a broken hand during the Week 18 loss to the Bengals. The fourth-round rookie has had an encouraging season and the hope is that he will be ready to go by Saturday.

Thankfully, the Steelers needed an encouraging injury report this week, and they got one. As we prepare for Pittsburgh’s Wild Card game against the Ravens, the practice report looks encouraging.

Initial Steelers injury report for Wild Card Weekend

McCormick’s status is the biggest question mark this week. Days after suffering a broken hand, it could be hard for an offensive lineman to suit up and take a beating in the trenches. However, the rookie was able to log a limited practice to begin the week. When he spoke to the media after practice, he assured them that he feels good and that he’s optimistic about his chances.

Two players missed practice on Tuesday: Isaac Seumalo and Cam Heyward. Fortuantely, Seumalo was only out with a day of rest, while Heyward missed with an illness. Heyward informed the media after the Steelers’ loss against the Bengals that he has been battling a flu bug. He should be on the mend, and he’s not going to miss the Wild Card game.

Interestingly, Pittsburgh’s three players on IR—Roman Wilson, Cole Holcomb, and Logan Lee—were each full participants in practice to begin the week. Unfortunately, it may be too little too late for any of the three to make a comeback in time for the postseason. Holcomb hasn’t played since suffering a gruesome knee injury in the middle of the 2023 season and Wilson has only played five snaps this season.

The Ravens, meanwhile, had just four players show up on their injury report: wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee), safety Kyle Hamilton (knee), return specialist Deonte Harty (knee), and running back Justice Hill (concussion/illness). Flowers was the only Baltimore player who wasn’t able to take the field on Tuesday, and his status is looking doubtful for Saturday.

The Steelers could use a spark at the wide receiver position, but Pittsburgh is unlikely to turn to their rookie WR for help during the playoffs.