The Steelers will be without Vince Williams (hamstring), Anthony Chickillo (foot) and Roosevelt Nix (knee) on Monday night when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field, as all of them missed practice for the third straight day and have been ruled out again this week.
Vance McDonald also missed practice for the third straight day and is doubtful. With McDonald dealing with a shoulder injury, newly acquired tight end NickVannett is ready for whatever comes his way.
"I feel like I have a better understanding of how things operate around here," said Vannett. "Now when we watch film, go over plays, I have a better idea of what my assignment is. I am not 100% comfortable yet, there are still some things I need to clean up assignment-wise. That is what these next two days are for, before game time. I am going to keep hitting it hard, keep preparing, and make sure I get myself at 100% before we play."
With McDonald missing practice, Vannett has taken the vast majority of reps in practice during the week, something that is benefitting him tremendously.
"That is the easiest way for me to learn is be able to physically do the reps, run through it, go through my assignment rather than just read off a piece of paper," said Vannett. "I always learn better that way. It's nice I was getting so many reps, but at the same time I have to make sure I am taking care of my body because I am getting so many reps. That is what I am going to do the next two days, get massages, take care of my body and make sure I am playing fast football on Monday night."
Joe Haden practiced again on Saturday, getting in two good days of work after dealing with a shoulder injury. He is not on the status report and is expected to start on Monday night.
"This is the first one in our division," said Haden. "We have to show them what we've got. We have to get up early."
Jayrone Elliott (hamstring), who has been limited in practice the last two days, was a full participant on Saturday and is questionable.
The Bengals will be without receiver A.J. Green, starting offensive tackle Cordy Glenn, defensive tackle Ryan Glasgow, defensive end Kerry Wynn and cornerback Darius Phillips.
Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 4
Game Status
FB Roosevelt Nix (Knee) - Out
LB Vince Williams (Hamstring) - Out
LB Anthony Chickillo (Foot) - Out
TE Vance McDonald (Shoulder) - Doubtful
LB Jayrone Elliott (Hamstring) - Questionable
Saturday, September 28
CB Joe Haden (Shoulder) - Full
FB Roosevelt Nix (Knee) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Hamstring) - DNP
LB Anthony Chickillo (Foot) - DNP
TE Vance McDonald (Shoulder) - DNP
LB Mark Barron (Not Injury Related) - Full
C Maurkice Pouncey (Not Injury Related) - Full
LB Jayrone Elliott (Hamstring) - Full
G Ramon Foster (Not Injury Related) - Full
Friday, September 27
CB Joe Haden (Shoulder) - Full
LB Mark Barron (Not Injury Related) - Full
FB Roosevelt Nix (Knee) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Hamstring) - DNP
LB Anthony Chickillo (Foot) - DNP
TE Vance McDonald (Shoulder) - DNP
C Maurkice Pouncey (Not Injury Related) - Full
LB Jayrone Elliott (Hamstring) - Limited
G Ramon Foster (Not Injury Related) - DNP
Thursday, September 26
CB Joe Haden (Shoulder) - DNP
FB Roosevelt Nix (Knee) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Hamstring) - DNP
LB Anthony Chickillo (Foot) - DNP
TE Vance McDonald (Shoulder) - DNP
LB Mark Barron (Not Injury Related) - DNP
C Maurkice Pouncey (Not Injury Related) - DNP
LB Jayrone Elliott (Hamstring) - Limited
Cincinnati Bengals Participation/Injury Report, Week 4
Game Status
DE Kerry Wynn (Concussion) - Out
WR A.J. Green (Ankle) - Out
DT Ryan Glasgow (Thigh) - Out
OT Cordy Glenn (Concussion) - Out
DE Carl Lawson (Hamstring) - Doubtful
Saturday, September 28
DE Kerry Wynn (Concussion) - DNP
WR A.J. Green (Ankle) - DNP
DT Ryan Glasgow (Thigh) - DNP
DE Carl Lawson (Hamstring) - DNP
OT Cordy Glenn (Concussion) - DNP
OT Andre Smith (Hamstring) - Full
DE Sam Hubbard (Ankle) - Full
DE Carlos Dunlap (Hamstring) - Full
S Shawn Williams (Back) - Full
CB B.W. Webb (Forearm) - Full
G Michael Jordan (Knee) - Full
DE Andrew Brown (Cramps) - Full
CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Illness) - Full
Friday, September 27
DE Carlos Dunlap (Hamstring) - Limited
DE Kerry Wynn (Concussion) - DNP
WR A.J. Green (Ankle) - DNP
DT Ryan Glasgow (Thigh) - DNP
DE Carl Lawson (Hamstring) - DNP
OT Andre Smith (Hamstring) - Limited
DE Sam Hubbard (Ankle) - Limited
OT Cordy Glenn (Concussion) -Limited
S Shawn Williams (Back) - Limited
CB B.W. Webb (Forearm) - Limited
G Michael Jordan (Knee) - Full
DE Andrew Brown (Cramps) - Limited
CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Illness) - Limited
Thursday, September 26
DE Carlos Dunlap (Hamstring) - DNP
DE Kerry Wynn (Concussion) - DNP
WR A.J. Green (Ankle) - DNP
DT Ryan Glasgow (Thigh) - DNP
DE Carl Lawson (Hamstring) - DNP
OT Andre Smith (Hamstring) - DNP
TE Tyler Eifert (Not Injury Related) - DNP
DE Sam Hubbard (Ankle) - DNP
OT Cordy Glenn (Concussion) - Limited
S Shawn Williams (Back) - Limited
CB B.W. Webb (Forearm) - Limited
G Michael Jordan (Knee) - Full
