Pittsburgh's preseason defensive report shows clear winners and losers. Derrick Harmon dropped stock, Yahya Black and Logan Lee rose in depth, Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal dipped, while Jack Sawyer also fell. Inside linebacker Cole Holcomb surged with steadier play, and Mark Robinson slipped. Carson Bruener impressed enough to push for rotational snaps. Panthers were the test backdrop, underscoring where Pittsburgh must refine roles for Week 1.

Holcomb and Bruener loom as likely Week 1 contributors, Harmon and Loudermilk must rebound, and the edge and coverage units will shape the floor for fantasy streaming. In a crowded defense, volume and snaps will decide which Steelers defenders become reliable fantasy adds early in the season.

Derrick Harmon's MCL sprain could sideline him for weeks, forcing PIT to lean on backups and heighten the roles of interior rookies Loudermilk and Lee. Cameron Heyward gains leverage in any holdout talks, while Alex Highsmith faces more edge pressure to compensate. The Panthers arrival tests the reshaped line, setting the tone for PIT's early-season fantasy DL outlook.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their final regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals, releasing their first injury report of the week. Key players are facing various injuries, with linebacker Cole Holcomb (knee), wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip), running back Jaylen Warren (ribs), and rookie defensive tackle Logan Lee (calf) listed as limited participants in practice. Meanwhile, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (knee), quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal), and rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) were full participants, signaling a positive trend in their recovery.

Justin Fields, who has been sidelined for the past two games due to an abdominal injury sustained against the Philadelphia Eagles, showed significant improvement by fully participating in practice. This development raises hopes for his availability against the Bengals. The Steelers also opened the practice windows for Holcomb, Wilson, and Lee, indicating a potential return for these players this season. Holcomb has been on the reserve/PUP list since a serious injury in Week 9, while Wilson was placed on IR before Week 8. Lee has yet to make his regular season debut after landing on IR in early September.

Skowronek and Porter Jr. are recovering from injuries sustained in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens, and Coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism regarding their chances to play against Cincinnati. Warren, who did not miss the game against the Kansas City Chiefs despite his injury, is being monitored closely for the remainder of the week as the Steelers aim to keep him healthy following impressive performances in recent games.