Coach Mike Tomlin said yesterday that his Steelers are aware how tough a test they have ahead of them on Sunday at Kansas City, so that makes the week of preparations vital. Tomlin says the Steelers will need to put up points to win the game, which means the offense is going to have to step it up. And the defense cannot be as leaky as it’s been recently.
Tomlin says the defense has to make plays and the offense has to score.
Tomlin also says playing in one of the NFL’s toughest stadiums will not be easy, either.
The coach said tight end Pat Freiermuth is in concussion protocol and the team will let that process determine whether or not he will be available on Sunday. Defensive end Chris Wormley has a groin injury and is uncertain for Sunday. Offensive lineman JC Hassenauer is expected back at practice but is still on injured reserve and starting guard Kevin Dotson is expected the begin practicing after spending the last month on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. The team will have 21 days to activate him.
One area where the Steelers have the edge on the Chiefs, at least for now, is on the reserve/covid-19 list. The Steelers currently have a practice squad player in the protocols, while Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce went on the covid list Monday and was joined by star wideout Tyreek Hill, tight end Blake Bell, cornerback Rashad Fenton, and four other players yesterday. They include linebacker Nick Bolton, offensive tackle Lucas Niang, cornerback Charvarius Ward and kicker Harrison Butker.
The Chiefs have put eleven players on the list in the last week and ESPN’s Adam Shefter says it looks like more could be sidelined today.
NFL
Week 15 finally ended last night with two games that had been rescheduled from the weekend because of covid. The Rams beat the Seahawks, 20-10 and the Eagles bounced Washington, 27-17.
Tampa Bay star running back Leonard Fournette is “likely” headed to the injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury in Sunday’s loss to the Saints. He could be back for the playoffs. The Bucs reportedly signed free agent Le’Veon Bell yesterday. Another Bucs star, receiver Chris Godwin, was placed on the IR with a torn ACL.
