The Pittsburgh Steelers have now wrapped up their Friday practice ahead of Monday’s night’s 2016 regular season opener against the Washington Redskins and the latest injury report doesn’t include any changes from the one the team released on Thursday.
Practicing fully once again were defensive end Cameron Heyward (ankle), defensive tackle Daniel McCullers (knee), defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (calf), tackle Marcus Gilbert (elbow), and safety Shamarko Thomas (groin) so it appears though all five players will likely play Monday night against the Redskins.
Not practicing again on Friday were fullback Roosevelt Nix (back), center Cody Wallace (knee) and wide receiver Markus Wheaton (shoulder). While Wheaton stated recently that he expects to play Monday night, the fact that he’s still unable to practice is a bit concerning this late in the week so there’s a good chance he’ll wind up being one of the team’s seven inactive players against the Redskins.
As for Wallace and Nix, it’s not looking good for them possibly playing Monday night as well. Both missed considerable playing time during the preseason with their current injuries and thus figure to be inactive Monday night as we sit here on Friday.
Should Wallace ultimately not be able to play, the Steelers figure to dress center/guard B.J. Finney in his place and might even decide to give tackle/guard Chris Hubbard a helmet as well. Should Nix wind up being held out of action, it will likely result in tight end David Johnson playing some snaps at fullback against the Redskins.
The Steelers final injury report for Week 1 will be released on Saturday and at that time the players will be given their designations for Monday night’s game which will be either questionable, doubtful, or out.
Cornerback Senquez Golson (foot) has long been ruled out for the Monday night game and thus he’ll be one of the team’s seven inactive players.
