There is good news/bad news on the injury front for the Steelers heading into Sunday night's game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field.
Marcus Gilbert will miss his sixth straight game, still hobbled by a knee injury and missing practice all week. Gilbert has been ruled out for Sunday night's game against the Chargers.
With Gilbert out both Matt Feiler and Chukwuma Okorafor have been called into action. Feiler started four games but missed last week's game against the Broncos with a pectoral injury. Feiler has been a full participant in practice all week, though.
"I am feeling pretty good," said Feiler. "Just taking it day by day. You always want to be out there with the guys. It's something that happens, it's part of the sport. It's still day by day. I am always trying to stay ready and prepared like I am playing."
Okorafor started against the Broncos and got words of praise from Coach Mike Tomlin for his first NFL action at tackle.
"I was really pleased with the play of Chuks," said Tomlin. "I think we are showing unique depth at the tackle position. Sometimes someone else's misfortune creates an opportunity for others. You know our expectation, but I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge those guys meeting those expectations.
"Matt Feiler has done it repeatedly. In recent weeks we've talked openly about that but due to Matt's injury it gave Chuks an opportunity and I thought he was definitely above the line in terms of his play, so we'll be smart."
Okorafor said he is ready if called upon this week.
"Every week you go in with the mindset you might start, or you could be second or third string," said Okorafor. "Whatever reps I get I go out there and do my best to be ready for what I am asked."
Morgan Burnett didn't practice again on Friday, sitting out all week, and he is listed as doubtful for Sunday night.
Bud Dupree was a full participant on Friday, but he is listed as questionable for the game. Dupree suffered a pectoral injury against the Broncos, but gradually worked his way back into action on the practice field all week.
On the good news front the Steelers will get Stephon Tuitt back. Tuitt missed the last two games with an elbow injury, and his presence on the line will definitely be felt. Tuitt was a full participant in practice on Friday.
"Stephon is a great player," said Cameron Heyward. "He really helps our defense. We have had guys step up. But the more the merrier."
Xavier Grimble, who suffered a concussion against the Broncos, practiced for the third straight day and is expected to play. Vance McDonald, who had a hip injury coming out of the Broncos game, was a full participant on Friday and he too is expected to play.
Cameron Sutton missed practice on Friday for personal reasons, and he is questionable for Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 13
Game Status
CB Cameron Sutton (Personal) - Questionable
S Morgan Burnett (back) - Doubtful
LB Bud Dupree (Pectoral) - Questionable
OT Marcus Gilbert (Knee) - Out
Friday, November 30
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach's Decision) - Full
CB Cameron Sutton (Personal) - DNP
S Morgan Burnett (back) - DNP
LB Bud Dupree (Pectoral) - Full
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach's Decision) - Full
OL B.J. Finney (Personal) - Full
OG Ramon Foster (Coach's Decision) - Full
OT Marcus Gilbert (Knee) - DNP
DE Stephon Tuitt (Elbow) - Full
TE Xavier Grimble (Concussion) - Full
TE Vance McDonald (Hip) - Full
Thursday, November 29
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach's Decision) - Full
S Morgan Burnett (back) - DNP
LB Bud Dupree (Pectoral) - Limited
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach's Decision) - Full
OL B.J. Finney (Personal) - DNP
OG Ramon Foster (Coach's Decision) - DNP
OT Marcus Gilbert (Knee) - DNP
DE Stephon Tuitt (Elbow) - Full
TE Xavier Grimble (Concussion) - Full
TE Vance McDonald (Hip) - Full
Wednesday, November 28
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach's Decision) - DNP
S Morgan Burnett (back) - DNP
LB Bud Dupree (Pectoral) - DNP
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach's Decision) - DNP
OL B.J. Finney (Personal) - DNP
OT Marcus Gilbert (Knee) - DNP
DE Stephon Tuitt (Elbow) - Limited
TE Xavier Grimble (Concussion) - Full
TE Vance McDonald (Hip) - DNP
Los Angeles Chargers Participation/Injury Report, Week 13
Game Status
NT Brandon Mebane (Not Injury Related) - Out
RB Melvin Gordon (Knee) - Out
WR Tyrell Williams (Quad) - Questionable
OT Joe Barksdale (Not Injury Related) - Out
Friday, November 30
TE Antonio Gates (Rest) - Full
NT Brandon Mebane (Not Injury Related) - DNP
RB Melvin Gordon (Knee) - DNP
WR Tyrell Williams (Quad) - Limited
RB Austin Ekeler (Neck) - Full
OT Joe Barksdale (Not Injury Related) - DNP
Thursday, November 29
TE Antonio Gates (Rest) - Full
NT Brandon Mebane (Not Injury Related) - DNP
RB Melvin Gordon (Knee) - DNP
WR Tyrell Williams (Quad) - Limited
RB Austin Ekeler (Neck) - Full
Wednesday, November 28
TE Antonio Gates (Rest) - DNP
NT Brandon Mebane (Not Injury Related) - DNP
RB Melvin Gordon (Knee) - DNP
WR Tyrell Williams (Quad) - Limited
RB Austin Ekeler (Neck) - Full
