The Steelers will be without starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. today as they take on the Kansas City Chiefs in a Christmas Day matchup at Acrisure Stadium.
Porter suffered a knee injury in Saturday's game against the Ravens, and on a short turnaround wasn't able to get back on the field this week.
The team will also be without receiver Ben Skowronek, who injured his hip against the Ravens, and is inactive along with Porter. In addition, outside linebacker Preston Smith is inactive.
There is good news, though. The Steelers will get back four starters who have missed time over the last few weeks injured, including in the secondary where safety DeShon Elliott and cornerback Donte Jackson will return.
Elliott has been a hub of communication for the defense, so getting him back on the field will be beneficial in multiple ways.
"We know he's a playmaker, a guy who communicates," said linebacker Patrick Queen. "A guy who makes plays, has physical presence and can cover as well. So, it will be nice to have him back."
Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is also happy to see Elliott back, but also understands if others are called upon to step up, they have to get the job done.
"I don't think it's (just) one thing (he does well)," said Heyward. "He's a veteran. He knows what he's doing. He plays downhill. He causes turnovers.
"It's going to be nice to have DeShon back. Other guys have got to step up too."
Jackson's return to the field is timely with Porter out, but it will be all hands on deck in the secondary.
Cornerback Cory Trice Jr. could see increased playing time for the second straight week.
Trice stepped in last week when Porter left the Ravens game, and the challenge this week isn't any easier as the Steelers face the Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
"Cory has done a nice job in practice, and he did a nice job (Saturday) when given an opportunity to get back on the moving train," said Tomlin. "And he has done so earlier in the year, and so I expect more of the same from him.
"In terms of competing against a guy like Mahomes, he'd better just focus on his fundamentals in his game. He doesn't have enough of a resume to get preoccupied with what Mahomes is doing. He needs to focus on his game and his quality of play, his eyes, his techniques, his fundamentals, and I'm sure that he will."
Trice, who dealt with injuries of his own throughout his rookie season and again this year, said he is definitely ready for the challenge again this week.
"I was out there our last game for us so I'm always going to feel like I'm ready," said Trice. "I prepare every day. I definitely feel like I'm ready.
"Playing on Christmas and playing against Mahomes, I'm itching to make a play against Mahomes. Just make sure we execute when the calls come."
The full list of inactives is below.
Steelers Inactives
No. 2 QB Justin Fields (3rd QB)
No. 15 WR Ben Skowronek
No. 24 CB Joey Porter Jr.
No. 91 LB Preston Smith
No. 94 DE Dean Lowry
Chiefs Inactives
No. 27 DB Chamarri Conner
No. 55 DE Joshua Uche
No. 61 OL C.J. Hanson
No. 70 OL D.J. Humphries
No. 75 T Ethan Driskell
No. 94 DE Malik Herring
No. 95 DL Chris Jones
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