JuJu Smith-Schuster, who missed the Ravens game serving a one-week suspension, was limited in practice with a hamstring injury on Thursday and Friday and was questionable heading into today's game against the Patriots at Heinz Field.
Smith-Schuster missed the Packers game in Week 12 with a hamstring injury, but returned the following week against Cincinnati. The good news, though, is he is active for today's game. With him active, Justin Hunter will be inactive.
Joe Haden returned to practice in a limited role this week, the first time he was on the practice field since fracturing his fibula against the Colts on Nov. 12. He gave it a go, but is inactive today.
Haden wanted to play but knows he will be needed down the road as well.
"We are in the playoffs, we have something to look forward to," said Haden earlier this week. "I don't want to go out there half (way), and be out there hurting the team, hurting myself. Knowing we have games coming, knowing I am on my way back. I want to play if I can play, if I can't it is what it is."
With Haden inactive, Coty Sensabaugh will be active. Sensabaugh was sidelined in practice on Wednesday and Thursday because of a shoulder injury suffered against the Ravens, but was a full participant on Friday.
The ups and downs of injuries have continued for Vance McDonald. McDonald returned to the field last week against the Ravens after missing the previous three games with an ankle injury. But, McDonald suffered a shoulder injury against the Ravens and left the game. He missed practice all week and is inactive for today's game.
Also inactive are Joshua Dobbs, Matt Feiler, Vince Williams and J.J. Wilcox.
Here are the players who will be inactive when the Steelers take on the Patriots.
Steelers Inactives
No. 5 QB Joshua Dobbs
No. 11 WR Justin Hunter
No. 21 CB Joe Haden
No. 27 S J.J. Wilcox
No. 71 OT Matt Feiler
No. 89 TE Vance McDonald
No. 93 DT Daniel McCullers
Patriots Inactives
No. 15 WR Chris Hogan
No. 35 RB Mike Gillislee
No. 36 DB Brandon King
No. 53 LB Kyle Van Noy
No. 74 OL Cole Croston
No. 92 DL Geneo Grissom
No. 97 DL Alan Branch
