Week 17 injury report (managers)

The Steelers wrapped up their preparation Tuesday, putting a Christmas Eve bow on the final details for Wednesday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and receiver Ben Skowronek did not practice again and has been ruled out. Quarterback Justin Fields is questionable.

Receiver George Pickens returned to practice this week with a positive outlook for his Christmas Day return.

Never mind that getting Pickens back would be a boost for the offense, something that will be welcomed after two straight losses.

“I think it’s self-explanatory,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “He’s a splash playmaker. He’s a one-on-one playmaker. Often he runs schemes that create one-on-ones for others or a light box regarding the run.

“But that’s what talented outsiders do. Not just George, but everyone who has talented outsiders.”

In addition to getting Pickens back, the Steelers are looking to get safety DeShon Elliott, defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi and cornerback Donte Jackson back.

Jackson said he is fine.

“Good enough to go,” Jackson said. “Just get out there, ready to take it out.”

Ogunjobi, who missed the Ravens game with a groin injury, feels he’ll be good to go, too.

“I should be good to go,” Ogunjobi said. “It will be good to get back out there.”

Wednesday’s game against the Chiefs will be the Steelers’ third game in 11 days, all against playoff teams. And at this point in the season, physical training is not an option.

That’s why Tomlin said they prepare in training camp for times like this.

“It’s money that’s already in the bank,” Tomlin said. “That’s why we approach team development the way we do. That’s why we tackle in Latrobe every day we have pads on. That’s why we don’t run away from building skills in that area and a mindset in that area in the early stages of team development because we realize you don’t get an opportunity to earn that back, especially with how practices are scheduled in today’s NFL.

“You get a limited number of padded practices in the early parts of the season. You get less at the end. And so that’s why I’m so committed to hardening our group in the team development process because those physical games go down and you better be ready to them.”

With Porter dealing with the knee injury he suffered against the Ravens, sophomore cornerback Cory Trice Jr. see increased playing time for the second week in a row.

Trice stepped in last week when Porter left the Ravens game, and the challenge this week is no easier as the Steelers face the Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“Cory has done a good job in practice and he did a good job (Saturday) when he got the opportunity to get back on the train moving,” Tomlin said. “And he did that earlier this year, and therefore I expect more of the same from him.

“As far as competing against a guy like Mahomes, he better just focus on his fundamentals in his game. He doesn’t have enough of a resume to be caught up in what Mahomes is doing. He needs to focus on his game and his quality of play, his eyes, his techniques, his fundamentals and I’m sure he will.”

Trice, who dealt with his own injuries throughout his rookie season and again this year, said he’s certainly up for the challenge again this week.

“I was out there our last game for us, so I’ll always feel like I’m ready,” Trice said. “I’m preparing every day. I definitely feel like I’m ready.

“When I play on Christmas and play against Mahomes, I’m looking forward to playing against Mahomes. Just make sure we execute when the calls come.”

The full damage report is below.