Steelers Announce Massive Injury News Ahead Of Ravens Wild Card Matchup

The Steelers continued their preparation for Saturday’s Wild Card Game against the Baltimore Ravens, moving practice to Acrisure Stadium on Wednesday.

Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and kicker Chris Boswell both missed practice as they are dealing with an illness.

Guard Mason McCormick is hoping to be available this week after breaking his hand against the Cincinnati Bengals in the regular season finale.

McCormick, who was limited on Wednesday, said he is optimistic about playing and doesn’t plan on wearing a full cast if he does play.

“I won’t wear a cast,” said McCormick. “So, we’ll just have to wait and see how the week goes. We don’t know. But we’re going to take it day to day. And we’ll see.

“I’m definitely optimistic. Yeah, it’s feeling a lot better already.”

McCormick went on to explain that he will wear something to protect it if he plays.

“Not like a full blown cast. I’m not going to club it,” said McCormick. “If I can grip and play, then I’m going to. There will some sort of brace. But I am not going to go if it inhibits me.”

McCormick said he isn’t sure how the injury will impact him, or if it will impact him if he does play.

“I don’t know, to be honest,” said McCormick. “I’m going to go through practice this week. I’m going to see what I can and can’t do and we’re going to kind of take it from there. And we’ll gauge if it’s worth it or what I need to do.”

If McCormick can’t go, guard Spencer Anderson would step in for him. Anderson has appeared in 12 career games, starting three, and is ready if needed.

“Regardless, if Mason broke his hand or not, you always have to be ready. You are one play away,” said Anderson. “You’ve got to be ready when your number is called. You have to be ready always and perfect your craft throughout the week.”

Cornerback Donte Jackson has been dealing with a back injury that has forced him to miss time, and said the key for him right now is to be patient and listen to what the athletic trainers and coaches are saying. Jackson feels like he is ready to go, but he also knows he has to be smart.

“Coach (Mike) Tomlin keeps talking to me, telling me to be smart,” said Jackson. “It’s frustrating because you work so hard through the offseason and camp to have your body right to withstand a full season.

“It just sucks that you deal with stuff. I hate to see injuries even around the league or against opponents or anything. I just hate that part of the game, but you’ve got to be professional about it and continue to treat your body, continue to just take those next steps, those little bitty things to feel good. I think that’s the worst part about it, just not being able to be out there with the guys.”

Jackson said his immediate desire is to always play, but the coaches and athletic trainers make sure he doesn’t push it too much.

“Sometimes they have to protect me from me,” said Jackson. “That’s what Coach T tells me a lot, just protecting you from you. We all want to be out there. You want to do everything for the team and do everything at full speed. But we are going to need you when we need you.

“It’s just part of being a professional, listening to your coach, listen to the trainers and it’s just doing what’s best for the team.”

The full injury report is below.