Steelers Reveal Week 9 Inactives Against Colts

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Steelers Reveal Week 9 Inactives Against Colts

As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepared to face the Indianapolis Colts, multiple players were declared inactive. Notably, safety Jabrill Peppers and receiver Scotty Miller were ruled out early on Friday. Additionally, safety Chuck Clark and linebacker Cole Holcomb were sidelined on Saturday due to illness.

Peppers was anticipated to play a vital role, stepping in for safety DeShon Elliott. Elliott sustained a hyperextended knee against the Green Bay Packers and was placed on the Reserve/Injured List on Friday. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin emphasized Elliott’s importance, particularly for the defensive strategy against the Colts. He mentioned the need for collaboration among players to adapt to the loss of such a significant contributor.

Defensive Adjustments for Steelers

With Peppers absent, Jalen Ramsey was moved to free safety. Coach Tomlin confirmed the shift, stating Ramsey has experience in various positions, making him a central communicator in the secondary.

The Steelers recently traded for safety Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots. Although Dugger joined the team only on Thursday, he expressed readiness to contribute if called upon. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin noted that they would do their best to prepare him for immediate participation.

Dugger’s Experience

Dugger enters his sixth NFL season and has accumulated impressive statistics:

Games Played: 81
Games Started: 69
Total Tackles: 412
Solo Tackles: 278
Interceptions: 9 (2 returned for touchdowns)
Sacks: 3.5
Forced Fumbles: 3
Fumble Recoveries: 2 (1 returned for a touchdown)

Dugger emphasized his role as a helper for the defense upon joining the Steelers.

Linebacker Malik Harrison Returns

On Saturday, the Steelers activated linebacker Malik Harrison from the Reserve/Injured, Designated for Return List. Harrison returned to practice on October 13 after recovering from a knee injury sustained in Week 1 against the New York Jets. He expressed his readiness and confidence in returning to the field.

Harrison, originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, brings valuable experience. Over his career, he has played in 77 games, recording:

Total tackles: 144
Solo tackles: 78
Tackles for a loss: 7
Sacks: 2
Special teams tackles: 30

Practice Squad Elevations

For the game against the Colts, the Steelers elevated running backs Lew Nichols and Trey Sermon from the practice squad. Nichols signed with the Steelers after being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2023 and subsequently spending time on the Eagles’ practice squad. Sermon, who previously played for the Colts, has experience with appearances in 44 games, accumulating significant numbers in carries and touchdowns.