The Pittsburgh Steelers are already facing a tough situation for their big game in Paris, with cornerback Brandin Echols (hamstring) and wide receiver Ben Skowronek (calf) officially ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Saints. These guys are not even making the trip, which is a brutal blow for any team heading across the pond. Skowronek’s calf has been an issue since Week 5, and Echols only got in a handful of defensive and special teams snaps last week before his hamstring decided to tap out.
Paris Bound, But Who’s Healthy?
Losing two players for an international game is never ideal, but the injury report gets even more nerve-wracking beyond Echols and Skowronek. They might be out, but the bigger concern for Steelers fans has to be the superstar outside linebacker, T.J. Watt. He’s a new addition to the injury report with a calf issue and was limited in practice. You never want to see a guy like Watt showing up on that list, especially with a calf that can linger. Are they sweating this in Pittsburgh? You bet they are.
More Banged-Up Bodies Before the Saints Clash
It doesn’t stop with Watt, either. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey (wrist), running back Rico Dowdle (knee), and outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) were all limited in practice, too. That’s a lot of key defensive pieces not at 100%. Defensive tackle Cam Heyward did sit out practice, but that was for rest, so at least that’s not another new injury. Strong safety DeShon Elliott (knee) was a full participant, which is some good news in a sea of yellow flags, but overall, Pittsburgh is limping into this Paris game against the Saints, and they’ve got to find a way to get it done with these health concerns piling up.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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