PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers will be down three players for Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but could get one of their secondary members back before kickoff. The Steelers announced quarterback Kenny Pickett and safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Trenton Thompson will not play in Week 16. Defensive back Elijah Riley, who has been on Injured Reserve the last four weeks, is listed as questionable.
Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed after the team’s final practice that Pickett will not play against the Bengals. In his place, the Steelers will start Mason Rudolph at quarterback with Mitch Trubisky as their backup. Fitzpatrick was ruled out earlier in the week after suffering a knee injury last week against the Indianapolis Colts. It’s unknown how long the All-Pro safety will miss as he was unable to practice throughout the week.
With Thompson also ruled out due to a neck injury, and Damontae Kazee suspended for the remainder of the regular season, Pittsburgh will turn to Patrick Peterson and practice squad member Eric Rowe at safety, with Miles Killebrew also in the mix. If Riley is activated for the game, he will also contribute to the safety rotation. Riley has missed the last four weeks with an ankle injury but returned to practice this week, opening his 21-day return window.
