We knew the Miami Dolphins would have a lot of players listed as questionable on their update final injury of the week based on head coach Mike McDaniel’s pre-practice comments. But no one expected that one of them would be cornerback Xavien Howard.
Update Final Injury:1 Steelers Player “Out” vs 10 Dolphins Players “Questionable”
The Steelers
Unlike the Dolphins, who had ten players with game status designations, the Steelers had only three.
Steven Sims, who had an 89-yard kickoff return in the Steelers’ 20-18 win over Tampa Bay last Sunday, has been ruled out. Gunner Olszewski, a former New England Patriots player, will take his place as the Steelers’ returner.
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring) and cornerback James Pierre (hip) were both listed as questionable.
More importantly, the Steelers announced Friday that three players had been released from the concussion protocol: starting quarterback Kenny Pickett, starting tight end Pat Freiermuth, and cornerback Levi Wallace.
The Steelers will also have former Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back after missing the Tampa Bay game due to a knee injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers injury report:
| Steven Sims | WR | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Ahkello Witherspoon | CB | Hamstring | FP | LP | Doubtful |
| Kenny Pickett | QB | Concussion | FP | FP | Unspecified |
| Cameron Sutton | CB | Hamstring | FP | FP | Unspecified |
| Levi Wallace | CB | Concussion | FP | FP | Unspecified |
| Minkah Fitzpatrick | FS | Knee | FP | FP | Unspecified |
| Myles Jack | ILB | Ankle | FP | FP | Unspecified |
| Mason Cole | C | Foot/Ankle | FP | FP | Unspecified |
| James Daniels | G | Ankle | FP | FP | Unspecified |
| Pat Freiermuth | TE | Concussion | FP | FP | Unspecified |
| Chris Wormley | NT | Ankle | FP | FP | Unspecified |
| Larry Ogunjobi | DT | Knee | FP | FP | Unspecified |
| Cameron Heyward | DT | Coaches Decision/Resting Player | DNP | FP | Unspecified |
- The Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins wrapped up their final practice of the week on Friday at the Baptist Health Training Complex in preparation for their Sunday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Only cornerback Keion Crossen (knee) was listed as questionable for the game.
Left tackle Terron Armstead (toe), cornerback Xavien Howard (groin/veteran rest), offensive tackle Greg Little (Achilles), cornerback Kader Kohou (oblique), defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (back), tight end Durham Smythe (hamstring), quarterback Skylar Thompson (right thumb), wide receiver Jaylar Waddle (shoulder), and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins were all listed as questionable (hand).
On Thursday, Armstead practiced for the first time in weeks, but did not participate again on Friday. This week was also the first time Ogbah practiced.
During the final practice session, linebacker Jerome Baker (hip), linebacker Sam Eguavoen (illness), and linebacker Zach Sieler (hand) were all upgraded to full participants, joining running back Raheem Mostert (knee) and tight end Tanner Conner (knee).
All full participants had no game status and will be available on Sunday.
Miami Dolphins injury report:
| Player | Position | Injury | Thu | Fri | Game Status |
| Terron Armstead | OT | Toe | LP | DNP | Questionable |
| Emmanuel Ogbah | DE | Back | DNP | LP | Questionable |
| Christian Wilkins | DE | Hand | LP | LP | Questionable |
| Xavien Howard | CB | Not Injury Related – Vet Rest | (-) | LP | Questionable |
| Kader Kohou | CB | Oblique | LP | LP | Questionable |
| Durham Smythe | TE | Hamstring | LP | LP | Questionable |
| Skylar Thompson | QB | R. Thumb | LP | LP | Questionable |
| Jaylen Waddle | WR | Shoulder | LP | LP | Questionable |
| Greg Little | OT | Achilles | LP | LP | Questionable |
| Keion Crossen | DB | Knee | DNP | DNP | Doubtful |
| Raheem Mostert | RB | Knee | FP | FP | Unspecified |
| Zach Sieler | DE | Hand | LP | FP | Unspecified |
| Elijah Campbell | DB | Foot | (-) | (-) | Unspecified |
| Tanner Conner | TE | Knee | FP | FP | Unspecified |
| Sam Eguavoen | LB | Not Injury Related – Illness | DNP | FP | Unspecified |
