The Pittsburgh Steelers have released their second injury report ahead of Week 15’s game against the Miami Dolphins. Because of the Monday night kickoff, the team didn’t begin practicing until Thursday and won’t release its final injury report until Saturday. Per the Steelers, six players failed to practice on Friday: CB James Pierre (calf), OT Andrus Peat (concussion), EDGE T.J. Watt (lung), DL Yahya Black (shoulder), DL Cam Heyward (knee), and DL Derrick Harmon (knee).
Limited today were WR Ben Skowronek (hand), WR Calvin Austin III (calf), ILB Malik Harrison (concussion), TE Darnell Washington (concussion), and DL Keeanu Benton (ankle).
Practicing fully were QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist), WR DK Metcalf (abdomen), LB Patrick Queen (hip), and S Kyle Dugger (hand).
A long and complicated report typical for late in the season.
Steelers’ Week 15 Friday Injury Report
DNP
OT Andrus Peat (concussion)
DL Yahya Black (shoulder)
DL Derrick Harmon (knee)
DL Cameron Heyward (knee)
EDGE T.J. Watt (lung)
CB James Pierre (calf)
Limited
WR Ben Skowronek (hand)
WR Calvin Austin III (calf)
TE Darnell Washington (concussion)
DL Keeanu Benton (ankle)
ILB Malik Harrison (concussion)
Full
QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist)
WR DK Metcalf (abdomen)
ILB Patrick Queen (hip)
S Kyle Dugger (hand)
Watt won’t practice this week after suffering a lung issue during the players’ off day. As revealed by big brother J.J. Watt, T.J. suffered a “partially collapsed lung” Wednesday after a dry-needling session at the team facility. He underwent successful surgery and is expected to be released from the hospital today. However, Mike Tomlin has ruled him out of Monday’s game against Miami.
When he returns is in question, though NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes that Watt is expected to play again in 2025.
A trio of defensive linemen moved backward on today’s report. Black and Benton were full yesterday but Black failed to practice Friday while Benton was limited. Heyward was also full yesterday and held out of today’s session, though he typically receives rest throughout the week. Black and Benton might also be managed but their situations are worth watching, especially as Harmon continues to miss and looks less likely to suit up against Miami.
Washington and Harrison continue to move through concussion protocol in the hopes of getting cleared. Losing Washington would hamper the Steelers’ struggling running game while Harrison has played a role in stopping opposing ground games. Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth would be the top two tight ends in Washington’s absence while Cole Holcomb will see increased snaps if Harrison can’t play Monday night. But it’s certainly possible one or both players get the nod.
Peat looks increasingly unlikely to play. With Calvin Anderson on injured reserve due to a knee injury, Dylan Cook is in line to make his first NFL start.
Dugger looks poised to return after missing Week 14 with a hand injury. Speaking to reporters Friday, he revealed that he cut his hand during practice and had to miss the Ravens game.
#Steelers safety Kyle Dugger said he practiced full Friday and expects to play Monday as he recovers from a cut on his hand
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) December 12, 2025
He will resume his role as the team’s every-down strong safety. Last week, the Steelers split reps between Jabrill Peppers and Chuck Clark. Peppers played in run situations while Clark worked in sub-packages.
Pierre has missed both practices this week and his status must be watched for Saturday’s final report. If he can’t play, CB Asante Samuel Jr. will get the nod. Austin’s calf issue is also worth paying attention to as well. If he can’t suit up, Roman Wilson may have a path to dress and play after being made inactive last week. Skowronek, however, is likely to play.
Rodgers is practicing for an entire week for the first time since injuring his wrist last month. He will start against the Dolphins. Metcalf will play despite being sent to a Baltimore hospital after last Sunday’s game with stomach pains. He’s practiced fully all week. Black and Benton suffered in-game injuries versus the Ravens but will play.
The Steelers and Dolphins kick off Monday at 8:15 PM/EST.