In just four days, the New England Patriots will already play their 14th game of the season. And when looking at today’s practice report, it seems as if the team will be at full strength heading into its highly anticipated matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers — a team that is currently facing some injury questions.
Did not participate
Steelers: QB Ben Roethlisberger (ribs), CB Mike Hilton (knee), RB James Conner (ankle), OC Maurkice Pouncey (coaches decision), OT Marcus Gilbert (knee)
Multiple starters have not practiced for the Steelers today, and it will be interesting to see how or if their statuses will change as the week progresses. The biggest names, of course, are quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and running back James Conner. While Roethlisberger played last week against the Oakland Raiders, he sat out more than a quarter because of his rib injury. Meanwhile, Conner missed the game altogether.
Joshua Dobbs and Jaylen Samuels filled their spots at quarterback and running back, respectively, during the two starters’ absences. Speaking of absent: nominal starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert is still out, while number three cornerback Mike Hilton and starting center Maurkice Pouncey also missed today’s practice.
Limited participation
Steelers: LB Anthony Chickillo (ankle)
Rotational linebacker and core special teamer Anthony Chickillo practiced on a limited basis today. No other player in Pittsburgh plays more snaps in the kicking game, so while Chickillo does not have the same big name like Roethlisberger or Conner, he still is a key member of the team’s operation.
Full participation
Patriots: TE Dwayne Allen (knee), CB Stephon Gilmore (ankle)
The Patriots are as healthy as they have been all year, as every member on the 53-man roster participated fully during today’s practice. This means that a) Stephon Gilmore — who played 100% of the team’s defensive snaps on Sunday — was upgraded from last week’s final report, and b) that tight end Dwayne Allen will likely return to the field on Sunday after missing the last three games due to a knee injury.