James Conner is participating in full practice. Vontaze Burfict is not.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Wednesday, Dec 26, 2018 05:02 PM

Week 17 Injury Report (Bengals)

Teresa Varley

Steelers.com


The Steelers began preparation for what is turning out to be their biggest game of the season with the playoffs on the line Sunday when they host the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field at 4:25 p.m.


And they began the preparation with a few question marks. The status of Sean Davis and Vince Williams, who were both injured against the Saints, is still up in the air.


Davis, who leads the team with 79 tackles, has a quadriceps injury that had him at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Christmas Day to get treatment. Davis did not practice on Wednesday.


“We’ll see where that leads us in terms of his participation throughout this week and ultimately his play,” said Coach Mike Tomlin.


Williams, who is second on the team in tackles with 76, suffered a toe injury against the Saints, leaving the game and not returning. He also did not practice on Wednesday.


“That’s being evaluated,” said Tomlin. “His availability is in question, and obviously we’ll watch him throughout the course of the week in terms of his practice participation.”


Tomlin said if they can’t go the replacements at free safety and inside linebacker are in house, but he wasn’t about to say they won’t play when he spoke to the media on Tuesday.


“Right now we are not ready to paint with a broad brush and exclude those guys,” said Tomlin. “We are going to leave the light on for them. I know that is their mentality. That was just expressed to me by Davis downstairs. You like that. The guys better have a lean in mentality this time of year and those guys do.”


There is good news on the injury front. James Conner, who missed the last three games with an ankle sprain, was a full participant in practice on Wednesday.


“I thought his participation was on the upswing at the end of last week with his ankle,” said Tomlin. “We’ll be watching him closely to see if he can be a positive contributor to our efforts this week, and his practice participation and effectiveness will be a major factor in that.”


Conner didn’t go too much into detail about how he was feeling after practice, just sharing the same message time and again.


“It’s getting better,” said Conner with a smile. “I am just getting better every day. I wish I could have played the last three weeks.


“It’s getting better. Hoping for the best."


In addition, Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Maurkice Pouncey were all held out of practice, simply a coach's decision for a veteran day off.


The full practice report is below.

Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 17

Wednesday, December 26
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach's Decision) - DNP
S Sean Davis (Quadriceps) - DNP
RB James Conner (Ankle) - Full
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach's Decision) - DNP
WR Antonio Brown (Coach's Decision) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Toe) - DNP


Cincinnati Bengals Participation/Injury Report, Week 17

Wednesday, December 26
WR Tyler Boyd (Knee) - DNP
LB Vontaze Burfict (Concussion) - DNP
CB Darqueze Dennard (Wrist) - Full
LB Jordan Evans (Ankle) - DNP
CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Shoulder) - DNP
CB Tony McRae (Hamstring) - DNP
DT Christian Ringo (Knee) - Full
S Shawn Williams (Pectoral) - Full

https://www.steelers.com/news/week-17-injury-report-bengals

[RuthlessBurgher]

James Conner full participant in Steelers practice

Posted by Darin Gantt on December 26, 2018, 4:36 PM EST

The Steelers need all hands on deck, and some help this week.

They at least appear to be getting closer to a key offensive part returning.

Via Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, running back James Conner was a full participant in practice Wednesday, the first time he’s had that designation since injuring his ankle on Dec. 2.

Conner was listed as questionable last week, but didn’t practice or play, so this is a sign he’s closer to a return.

The Steelers need to beat the Bengals and get some help from the Browns to make the playoffs, and having Conner healthy is a step closer to their end of the bargain.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/12/26/james-conner-full-participant-in-steelers-practice/

[RuthlessBurgher]

The NFL’s dirtiest player, Vontaze Burfict, may be finished

By Post Wire Report

December 27, 2018 | 9:25am

Vontaze Burfict would be going out the way he played: hitting.

The Cincinnati Bengals linebacker, perhaps regarded as the dirtiest player in football, isn’t expected to play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers because he sustained a concussion Sunday, the seventh of his career and second in December.

This head injury is bringing concern that Burfict’s career could be on the line, ESPN reported.

According to the report, Burfict has suffered seven known concussions. He hasn’t played a full season since 2013.

Injuries and suspensions have cut deeply into Burfict’s NFL career. He has missed 10 games because of league suspensions, and he has been fined more than $4.2 million for on-field plays and suspensions.

After playing in all 16 games in 2012 and 2013, his first seasons in the league, he has played in 11 games once, 10 games twice and five games once. He has played in seven games this season.

In 2013, a Pro Bowl season, Burfict made a league-leading 177 tackles. Since that season, his highest total has been 101 in 2016, when he played in 11 games.

Burfict is listed in NFL protocol this week and did not practice Wednesday, casting doubt that he would play on Sunday against the Steelers. He got hurt in the first half last week against the Cleveland Browns. He also suffered a concussion on Dec. 2 against the Denver Broncos.

The Bengals are 6-9 and facing a Steelers team that likely needs a win Sunday and a Baltimore Ravens’ loss to the Browns to make the postseason.

https://nypost.com/2018/12/27/the-nfls-dirtiest-player-vontaze-burfict-may-be-finished/

[Moonie]

Burfict is a scumbag.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Thursday, Dec 27, 2018 03:40 PM

Week 17 Injury Report (Bengals)

Teresa Varley

Steelers.com


The Steelers continued their preparation for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on Thursday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.


Antonio Brown, who didn’t practice on Wednesday after being given a veteran day off by Coach Mike Tomlin, also didn’t practice on Thursday, added on with a knee injury.


Sean Davis missed practice for the second straight day with a quadriceps injury, as was the case with Vince Williams, who missed both days with a toe injury.


A healthy Davis and Williams would be a huge asset to the defense who is going to need to stop the run game, which has been a focus for the Bengals with Andy Dalton and A.J. Green both on injured reserve, and Tyler Boyd battling a knee injury.


“I always played against Dalton and Green,” said Davis. “We are anticipating a lot of Joe Mixon ball. We have to be prepared to stop the run. They have (Jeff) Driskel (at quarterback). He is a good guy. He is very mobile. He ran a 4.5 at the combine. That is on notice for all of us. It’s been talked about. We know it. It’s not a secret. Everybody knows it. We have to keep the quarterback contained.”


They have to contain Mixon as well. In 13 games Mixon has rushed for 1,063 yards, with 479 yards in the last five games.


“They’ve been running the ball extremely well, and Joe Mixon has been central to that,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “When you’re looking to minimize the things the Bengals do offensively, I think it starts with trying to minimize him.”


James Conner continues to work his way back on the field, going full in practice for the second-straight day. Conner has missed the last three games with an ankle injury.


Ramon Foster did not practice on Thursday, simply a day off.


The full practice report is below.


Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 17

Thursday, December 27
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach's Decision) - Full
S Sean Davis (Quadriceps) - DNP
RB James Conner (Ankle) - Full
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach's Decision) - Full
G Ramon Foster (Coach's Decision) - DNP
WR Antonio Brown (Coach's Decision) - Full
LB Vince Williams (Toe) - DNP

Wednesday, December 26
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach's Decision) - DNP
S Sean Davis (Quadriceps) - DNP
RB James Conner (Ankle) - Full
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach's Decision) - DNP
WR Antonio Brown (Coach's Decision) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Toe) - DNP


Cincinnati Bengals Participation/Injury Report, Week 17

Thursday, December 27
WR Tyler Boyd (Knee) - DNP
LB Vontaze Burfict (Concussion) - DNP
CB Darqueze Dennard (Wrist) - Full
LB Jordan Evans (Ankle) - DNP
CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Shoulder) - DNP
CB Tony McRae (Hamstring) - DNP
DT Christian Ringo (Knee) - Full
S Shawn Williams (Pectoral) - Full

Wednesday, December 26
WR Tyler Boyd (Knee) - DNP
LB Vontaze Burfict (Concussion) - DNP
CB Darqueze Dennard (Wrist) - Full
LB Jordan Evans (Ankle) - DNP
CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Shoulder) - DNP
CB Tony McRae (Hamstring) - DNP
DT Christian Ringo (Knee) - Full
S Shawn Williams (Pectoral) - Full

https://www.steelers.com/news/week-17-injury-report-bengals

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Interesting for some scouting for next season.

No VW should give a good look at LJ Fort, although Fort is listed as the backup to Bostic, it would be nice to see him.

A hopefully healthy Burnett/Edmunds tandem at safety. Davis looked good to start the season but seems to have fallen back. What happens when the team pairs the oft injured vet FA signee with the rook?

[Steel Maniac]

Doesn’t matter; Conner will have all off season to rehab. We are not going anywhere. Burfict is cow dong.

[Ernie]

yawn......

[RuthlessBurgher]

Burfict is cow dong.

Cow dong and cow dung are two very different things. Not sure which one you meant, but I suppose either could be considered to be an apt description.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Bengals put three more on injured reserve

Posted by Darin Gantt on December 28, 2018, 12:43 PM EST

With the way the Bengals season has gone, three more guys on injured reserve seems like a fitting end to the season.

The team announced the latest moves, putting wide receiver Tyler Boyd, linebacker Jordan Evans, and cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick on IR, pushing their total for the year to 18.

That includes quarterback Andy Dalton, wide receiver A.J. Green, and tight end Tyler Eifert, which is a lot of the reason they’re 6-9 and playing out the string Sunday against the Steelers.

Boyd emerged as a legitimate weapon this year, topping the 1,000-yard barrier against the Raiders before leaving with a knee injury in Week 15, not to return again.

To fill the roster spots, the Bengals promoted running back Quinton Flowers, offensive tackle Kent Perkins, and wide receiver Hunter Sharp from their practice squad.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/12/28/bengals-put-three-more-on-injured-reserve/

[RuthlessBurgher]

Friday, Dec 28, 2018 03:00 PM

Week 17 Injury Report (Bengals)

Teresa Varley

Steelers.com


The Steelers will head into Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field with a new kicker, after Chris Boswell was placed on injured reserve on Friday morning.


The team signed Matt McCrane, who played with the Raiders and Cardinals this season. McCrane has converted on five-of-nine field goal attempts and all five extra points this year.


“Boz experienced some discomfort on Sunday in performing in the game,” said Coach Mike Tomlin after Friday’s practice. “His usual work day is Thursday. We waited to see the ramifications of that yesterday. He was a full participant yesterday but felt some discomfort after. We felt it was necessary to make a move.”


Antonio Brown missed practice again on Friday, out with a knee injury. Brown was given the day off on Wednesday but missed Thursday and Friday’s practices with the knee injury. He is questionable for Sunday’s game, but being a veteran could still play without practicing.


“Coming out of the game AB was experiencing some knee discomfort,” said Tomlin. “I gave him a vet day on Wednesday. He got in here yesterday and didn’t feel comfortable enough to do it. We sent him for tests today. We’ll get the results of those tests and have more information. He is a veteran player. If he gets better not a lot of physical repetitions needed to perform. We’ll see where all of that goes.”


The defense could be without one of their main keys in stopping the run. Vince Williams, who has a toe injury, missed practice for the third straight day and is doubtful for Sunday.


Sean Davis was back to work after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a quadriceps injury. Davis was a full participant in Friday’s practice, but is questionable for the game. A healthy Davis will be an asset to the defense who is going to need to stop the run game, which has been a focus for the Bengals with Andy Dalton and A.J. Green both on injured reserve. In addition Tyler Boyd was placed on injured reserve on Friday.


“I always played against Dalton and Green,” said Davis. “We are anticipating a lot of Joe Mixon ball. We have to be prepared to stop the run. They have (Jeff) Driskel (at quarterback). He is a good guy. He is very mobile. He ran a 4.5 at the combine. That is on notice for all of us. It’s been talked about. We know it. It’s not a secret. Everybody knows it. We have to keep the quarterback contained.”


James Conner was a full participant in practice for the third-straight day. Conner has missed the last three games with an ankle injury and goes into the game as questionable.


The full practice report is below.


Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 17


Game Status
S Sean Davis (Quadriceps) - Questionable
RB James Conner (Ankle) -Questionable
WR Antonio Brown (Coach's Decision/Knee) - Questionable
LB Vince Williams (Toe) - Doubtful


Friday, December 28
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach's Decision) - Full
S Sean Davis (Quadriceps) - Full
RB James Conner (Ankle) - Full
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach's Decision) - Full
G Ramon Foster (Coach's Decision) - Full
WR Antonio Brown (Coach's Decision/Knee) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Toe) - DNP


Thursday, December 27
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach's Decision) - Full
S Sean Davis (Quadriceps) - DNP
RB James Conner (Ankle) - Full
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach's Decision) - Full
G Ramon Foster (Coach's Decision) - DNP
WR Antonio Brown (Coach's Decision/Knee) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Toe) - DNP


Wednesday, December 26
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach's Decision) - DNP
S Sean Davis (Quadriceps) - DNP
RB James Conner (Ankle) - Full
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach's Decision) - DNP
WR Antonio Brown (Coach's Decision) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Toe) - DNP



Cincinnati Bengals Participation/Injury Report, Week 17


Game Status
WR Tyler Boyd (Knee) - Out (IR)
LB Vontaze Burfict (Concussion) - Out
LB Jordan Evans (Ankle) - Out (IR)
CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Shoulder) - Out (IR)
CB Tony McRae (Hamstring) - Out


Friday, December 28
WR Tyler Boyd (Knee) - DNP
LB Vontaze Burfict (Concussion) - DNP
CB Darqueze Dennard (Wrist) - Full
LB Jordan Evans (Ankle) - DNP
CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Shoulder) - DNP
CB Tony McRae (Hamstring) - DNP
DT Christian Ringo (Knee) - Full
S Shawn Williams (Pectoral) - Full


Thursday, December 27
WR Tyler Boyd (Knee) - DNP
LB Vontaze Burfict (Concussion) - DNP
CB Darqueze Dennard (Wrist) - Full
LB Jordan Evans (Ankle) - DNP
CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Shoulder) - DNP
CB Tony McRae (Hamstring) - DNP
DT Christian Ringo (Knee) - Full
S Shawn Williams (Pectoral) - Full


Wednesday, December 26
WR Tyler Boyd (Knee) - DNP
LB Vontaze Burfict (Concussion) - DNP
CB Darqueze Dennard (Wrist) - Full
LB Jordan Evans (Ankle) - DNP
CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Shoulder) - DNP
CB Tony McRae (Hamstring) - DNP
DT Christian Ringo (Knee) - Full
S Shawn Williams (Pectoral) - Full

https://www.steelers.com/news/week-17-injury-report-bengals

[RuthlessBurgher]

Steelers inactives for Week 17 vs. Bengals

Teresa Varley
STEELERS.COM

The team will be without Antonio Brown, Sean Davis and Vince Williams.

Brown missed practice time this week with a knee injury, something that had him appear on the injury report beginning on Thursday.

“Coming out of the (Saints) game AB was experiencing some knee discomfort,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “I gave him a vet day on Wednesday. He got in here (Thursday) and didn’t feel comfortable enough to do it. We sent him for tests (Friday).”

Davis, who missed two days of practice with a quadriceps injury, practiced on Friday but also isn’t playing. Williams missed practice all week with a toe injury and was listed as doubtful going into the game.

James Conner, who practiced all week, is active today. Conner had missed the last three games, something he said earlier in the week was tough for him. In his absence Jaylen Samuels stepped up big, and the two will be used against the Bengals today.

“We’re excited to get James back,” said Tomlin. “He is a big-time component of our play. We also have been pleased by the contributions of No. 38. We are going to utilize both guys. James hasn’t played in a while. Football conditioning and things of that nature are a factor. We are going to utilize both guys and let the flow of the game dictate it.”

Also inactive are Mason Rudolph, Zach Banner, Ola Adeniyi and L.T. Walton.

The full list of inactives is below.

Steelers Inactives
No. 2 QB Mason Rudolph
No. 21 S Sean Davis
No. 72 OT Zach Banner
No. 84 WR Antonio Brown
No. 92 LB Olasunkanmi Adeniyi
No. 96 DE L.T. Walton
No. 98 LB Vince Williams

Bengals Inactives
No. 11 WR Hunter Sharp
No. 29 CB Tony McRae
No. 34 HB Quinton Flowers
No. 55 OLB Vontaze Burfict
No. 70 OT Cedric Ogbuehi
No. 76 OT Kent Perkins
No. 88 TE Jordan Franks

[NorthCoast]

Sean Davis inactive?! What's his deal?