Steelers Announce Two Surprise Inactives Against Patriots
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have made five players inactive for their Week 14 matchup with the New England Patriots.
The Steelers announced quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle), cornerback James Pierre (shoulder), offensive tackle Dylan Cook, running back Anthony McFarland and defensive tackle DeMarvin Leal and outside linebacker Markus Golden are inactive against the Patriots.
Pickett will miss roughly a month after suffering an ankle injury against the Cardinals. The Steelers' quarterback underwent surgery earlier this week and is now trying to rehab his way back to the field before the playoffs.
In his place, the Steelers will start Mitch Trubisky, with Mason Rudolph becoming the backup.
Pierre was ruled out due to a lingering shoulder injury. The cornerback was limited the last two weeks of practice but was unable to go against the Patriots.
Leal and Golden were surprise inactives for the Steelers this week with neither popping up on the injury report throughout the week. To this point, both were contributors on defense. It's unknown if Golden suffered an injury to prevent him from being active on game day. Leal is likely inactive due to the Patriots' strong running game and the return of Montravius Adams.
Golden has played 156 defensive snaps for the Steelers this season.
The Steelers elevated practice squad outside linebacker Kyron Johnson to the active/inactive list for the game, and he's now an option to provide depth behind Nick Herbig off the bench.
Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
Steelers Get Massive Boost Ahead of Patriots Game
Steelers Make Roster Move Before Patriots Game
Steelers Make Surprising Change on Defense