UPDATE: Linebacker Alex Highsmith was cleared from the concussion protocol after the injury report was released
The Steelers wrapped up their preparation for Saturday's game against the Indianapolis Colts and as the week has progressed inside linebacker T.J. Watt has definitely progressed in the right direction.
Watt was cleared by an independent neurological consultant on Wednesday evening and is no longer in the concussion protocol.
"I feel great. I feel ready to go for this week," said Watt.
Watt explained the steps he went through after getting hit and reporting the symptoms.
"I got hit," said Watt. "I went into the tent and got cleared, then came in the next day and had stuff going on. As you guys saw I went into the protocol, yesterday got cleared from the protocol and today I feel great."
Linebacker Alex Highsmith was cleared from the concussion protocol and is expected to play Saturday.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said before he was cleared of that he is hopeful to have both of them on the field against the Colts.
"I'm hoping to," said Austin on Wednesday morning about having both of them available. "We'll see. Right now, they're able to do some things in practice, so we'll see leading up to Saturday.
"But I'm hopeful."
Austin said any amount of playing time would be dependent on the players.
"That's on them," said Austin. "If they feel like they can go and they're playing hard for us like they always do, then they'll be out there."
If needed, the defense has rookie Nick Herbig, who saw extensive time against the Patriots, and veteran Markus Golden at the ready, even though Golden was inactive against the Patriots.
"(Nick) had to take on a pretty large role last week in addition to his special teams duties and I thought he did a good job in that regard," said Austin. "We'll have him, and we should have 'M.G.' (Golden) again this week, and I think that'll give us some depth there. I think that's one area where we improved our depth from last year and I think that'll help us if we do end up with some injuries or some lack of availability."
On the offensive side of the ball it will be Mitch Trubisky at quarterback for the second straight week with Kenny Pickett out with his ankle injury.
"We're trying to streamline things so he can do just that, plays he's comfortable with, so the ball can get out his hand quickly and get it to the guys, put the guys in spots we want them in so they could get the ball out, be the ones that are receiving the ball when it comes out quick," said interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner.
The offense has a full week to work together, unlike last week when Trubisky made his first start of the season on a short week.
"Mitch has been here for a long time, so I think him and I, actually all the receivers, have a good chemistry with Mitch," said tight end Pat Freiermuth. "Him and Kenny have their different nuances in the offense, but we all feel comfortable with whoever.
"It helps that there is more work. Any extra work with someone who is new for this season is great."
The full injury and game status report is below.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 15
Game Status
No. 8 QB Kenny Pickett (Ankle) - Out
No. 73 G Isaac Seumalo (Shoulder) - Questionable
Thursday, December 14
No. 8 QB Kenny Pickett (Ankle) - DNP
No. 18 WR Diontae Johnson (Knee) - Full
No. 22 RB Najee Harris (Knee) - Full
No. 23 S Damontae Kazee (Ankle) - Full
No. 42 CB James Pierre (Shoulder) - Full
No. 50 LB Elandon Roberts (Groin) - Full
No. 56 LB Alex Highsmith (Concussion) - Full
No. 73 G Isaac Seumalo (Shoulder) - DNP
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt (Concussion) - Full
No. 95 DT Keeanu Benton (Oblique) - Full
No. 97 DT Cam Heyward (Groin) - Full
Wednesday, December 13
No. 8 QB Kenny Pickett (Ankle) - DNP
No. 18 WR Diontae Johnson (Knee) - DNP
No. 22 RB Najee Harris (Knee) - Full
No. 23 S Damontae Kazee (Ankle) - Full
No. 42 CB James Pierre (Shoulder) - Full
No. 50 LB Elandon Roberts (Groin) - Limited
No. 56 LB Alex Highsmith (Concussion) - Limited
No. 73 G Isaac Seumalo (Shoulder) - DNP
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt (Concussion) - Full
No. 95 DT Keeanu Benton (Oblique) - Limited
No. 97 DT Cam Heyward (Groin) - Full
Tuesday, December 12
No. 8 QB Kenny Pickett (Ankle) - DNP
No. 22 RB Najee Harris (Knee) - DNP
No. 23 S Damontae Kazee (Ankle) - Limited
No. 42 CB James Pierre (Shoulder) - Full
No. 50 LB Elandon Roberts (Groin) - DNP
No. 56 LB Alex Highsmith (Concussion) - Limited
No. 73 G Isaac Seumalo (Shoulder) - DNP
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt (Concussion) - Limited
No. 95 DT Keeanu Benton (Oblique) - Limited
No. 97 DT Cam Heyward (Groin) - Limited
Indianapolis Colts Participation/Injury Report, Week 15
Game Status
No. 50 LB Segun Olubi (Hip) - Questionable
No. 72 T Braden Smith (Knee) - Out
No. 28 RB Jonathan Taylor (Thumb) - Out
Thursday, December 14
No. 72 T Braden Smith (Knee) - DNP
No. 28 RB Jonathan Taylor (Thumb) - DNP
No. 99 DT DeForest Buckner (Back/NIR - Resting) - DNP
No. 50 LB Segun Olubi (Hip) - DNP
No. 29 CB JuJu Brents (Quadricep) - Full
No. 44 LB Zaire Franklin (Illness) - Full
No. 40 CB Jaylon Jones (Ankle) - Full
No. 86 TE Will Mallory (Rib) - Full
No. 45 LB E.J. Speed (Knee) - Full
Wednesday, December 13
No. 72 T Braden Smith (Knee) - DNP
No. 28 RB Jonathan Taylor (Thumb) - DNP
No. 99 DT DeForest Buckner (Back) - Limited
No. 50 LB Segun Olubi (Hip) - Limited
No. 29 CB JuJu Brents (Quadricep) - Full
No. 44 LB Zaire Franklin (Illness) - Full
No. 40 CB Jaylon Jones (Ankle) - Full
No. 86 TE Will Mallory (Rib) - Full
No. 45 LB E.J. Speed (Knee) - Full
Tuesday, December 12
No. 72 T Braden Smith (Knee) - DNP
No. 28 RB Jonathan Taylor (Thumb) - DNP
No. 40 CB Jaylon Jones (Ankle) - Limited
No. 29 CB JuJu Brents (Quadricep) - Full
No. 99 DT DeForest Buckner (Back) - Full
No. 86 TE Will Mallory (Rib) - Full
No. 45 LB E.J. Speed (Knee) - Full
** Tuesday's report is an estimation, the Colts conducted a walk-through
