Week 18 Injury Report (Bengals)

The Steelers began their preparation for Saturday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals and are doing so in a healthy manner.

The Steelers head into this week a team on the upswing on the injury front, something that has Coach Mike Tomlin feeling good as there is still a lot on the line this week.

“From a health standpoint, it looks like we’re moving in the right direction, which is a good thing,” said Tomlin. “Last game we had some significant people coming back in DeShon Elliott and George Pickens, to name a couple, (also) Donte Jackson. This week it looks like Joey Porter is scheduled to make it back along with Ben Skowronek.

“Getting a healthy outfit, particularly as you get toward the end of the season and lean in on a single elimination tournament, is big business for us.

“We’re excited about the issues of dividing the labor up and having a full stable at our disposal in an effort to formulate plans and make plays.

“It’s going to be needed, quite honestly, because Cincinnati is red hot.”

Quarterback Justin Fields, who missed time with an abdominal injury, is expected to be back this week and was a full participant on Tuesday. Running back Jaylen Warren was limited due to a ribs injury.

The players had a three-day weekend following the Wednesday game, one that was just what the doctor ordered.

“To come off of a long weekend like we had, it’s been a benefit to us,” said Tomlin. “Guys that needed rest, have gotten rest. Guys that have needed rehabilitation, have gotten that. And so, we’re excited about starting our physical work.”

In addition, linebacker Cole Holcomb, defensive lineman Logan Lee and receiver Roman Wilson returned to practice today but remain on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List.

The Steelers have a 21-day window to either activate them to the 53-man roster, or they remain on the Reserve/Injured List the remainder of the year.

Holcomb suffered a season-ending knee injury last season against the Tennessee Titans. Holcomb had 54 tackles and two forced fumbles before he was injured.

The Steelers signed Holcomb as an unrestricted free agent before the 2023 season, after he spent four years with the Washington Commanders.

Lee was placed on the Reserve/Injured List before the start of the regular season.

Lee, one of the team’s sixth-round draft picks, played college football at Iowa. He appeared in 43 games, starting 41 of them, and had 158 career tackles, including 58 solo stops, 18.5 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and seven passes defensed.

Wilson was placed on the Reserve/Injured List on Oct. 28. Wilson, one of the team’s third-round picks in 2024, was selected with the 84th overall pick.

Wilson played college football at Michigan where he appeared in 46 career games, finishing his career with 107 receptions for 1,707 yards and 20 touchdowns. In 2023 he appeared in 15 games, finishing with career highs with 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The full injury report is below.