Losers of three straight, the Pittsburgh Steelers are eager to get back in the win column in Week 16. For that, they'll need to get back some injured starters.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that they hope to see running back James Conner (quad), linebacker Vince Williams (COVID-19 list) and offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (shoulder) return for their critical showdown with the Indianapolis Colts.
Conner was ruled out hours before Pittsburgh's loss Monday night to Cincinnati after being listed as questionable. In his stead, Benny Snell rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, his best output since Week 1.
Williams, one of a slew of Steelers linebackers hampered by injury and illness this season, was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Dec. 10 and has missed two games, both Pittsburgh losses.
In other injury news, Tomlin said fullback Derek Watt (concussion) and tight end Eric Ebron (back) are still being evaluated. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that Ebron should be OK after exiting Monday's loss early.
Here are the other injuries and roster updates we're monitoring Tuesday:
- The Houston Texans announced Tuesday that they have met with Matt Bazirgan to interview for the vacant general manager role. Bazirgan, the Houston director of player personnel, is considered a top internal candidate, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
- San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert will be placed on injured reserve after he suffered a high-ankle sprain, Rapoport and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday. Mostert's season is over. In eight games played, Mostert racked up 677 total yards and three TDs on 120 touches. San Francisco also opened the 21-day window for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to practice. Jimmy G has been on injured reserve since Nov. 5. San Francisco will start C.J. Beathard on Saturday as Garoppolo's replacement, Nick Mullens, needs to undergo elbow surgery, Pelissero added. 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (knee) and cornerback Richard Sherman did not participate in practice Tuesday.
- Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer told reporters he didn't know if injured linebacker Eric Kendricks (calf) will play Friday against the Saints or for the remainder of the season. Kendricks has missed Minnesota's last three games. The LB was listed as a DNLP on Tuesday, as well as tight end Kyle Rudolph (foot) and running back Alexander Mattison (concussion).
- The Cleveland Browns placed offensive lineman Chris Hubbard (knee) on injured reserve. Rapoport reported Monday that Hubbard is undergoing surgery to repair torn knee ligaments and is done for the rest of the season.
- Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow will meet with a specialist Thursday regarding his fractured throat, coach Darrell Bevell told reporters. After that meeting, Detroit will have a better idea about his availability for Saturday's game against the Buccaneers.
- Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said the team does not intend to shut down defensive end Joey Bosa for the season after he suffered another concussion. Lynn added that tackle Bryan Bulaga (concussion) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (back) are expected to return to practice this week.
- The Carolina Panthers placed guard Dennis Daley on injured reserve and activated defensive tackle Zach Kerr from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
- The Chicago Bears activated receiver/punt returner DeAndre Carter from the reserve/COVID-19 list and signed running back Spencer Ware to the practice squad.
- The Los Angeles Rams activated defensive back Nick Scott from the reserve/COVID-19 list and placed on defensive back JuJu Hughes on the list. Hughes is a high-risk close contact, so he is eligible to return after five days in isolation if he does not have a positive test.
- Atlanta Falcons defensive end Austin Edwards was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
- Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki (shoulder) and receivers Jakeem Grant (hamstring) and DeVante Parker (hamstring) are among those listed as limited participants in Tuesday's practice. The team also announced it had elevated wide receiver Isaiah Ford to the active roster for as a COVID-19 replacement.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said Tuesday that left tackle Donovan Smith, who was removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list, is back at full speed. Arians also went on to say running back Ronald Jonesis doubtful for Saturday’s game vs. the Detroit Lions and cornerback Carlton Davis is getting better and hopes to see improvement from him over the next two days.
- The Baltimore Ravens have signed tight end Eric Tomlinson to the active roster from the practice squad.
- The Denver Broncos have waived linebacker Mark Barron.
- Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Anthony Hitchens was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but was designated as a high-risk close contact, Pelissero reported. Therefore, Hitchens could return after five days in isolation if he does not test positive for the coronavirus.
- Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (shoulder) and Larry Fitzgerald (groin) did not practice on Tuesday.
