The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting ready to lace up for their second preseason game of 2024. After getting trounced by the Houston Texans in their preseason opener, Mike Tomlin's team will host the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium.
This Week 2 preseason contest comes two days after Pittsburgh's joint practice with the Bills. Tomlin informed the media that quarterback Russell Wilson will start in this contest, as the Steelers look to get their 'dress rehearsal' game in before the start of the season.
Unfortunately, Pittsburgh is expected to be a bit short-handed in this contest. Injuries to a pair of rookies could keep them out of action in arguably the team's most telling preseason game of 2024. The Bills aren't without their share of injuries either.
Keep in mind that NFL teams are not required to list official injury reports until Week 1 of the regular season. Based on injury statuses shared with the media, here's who could be missing during the Steelers vs. Bills preseason game.
Steelers vs. Bills Injury Report
Steelers Injury Report
- OT Troy Fautanu (knee) - Questionable
- WR Roman Wilson (ankle) - Questionable
- OG Nate Herbig (undisclosed) - Questionable
- DT Keeanu Benton (eye) - Questionable
- CB Grayland Arnold (calf) - Out
- Cole Holcomb (knee) - Out
The Steelers' first-round pick Troy Fautanu sustained a knee injury during Pittsburgh's preseason loss against the Houston Texans last week. Though his status is listed as questionable, Fautanu didn't practice this week and is not expected to dress for this game.
Joining him on the sidelines will be fellow rookie Roman Wilson. The wide receiver and 2024 third-round pick suffered an ankle injury during the team's first padded practice and is expected to miss his second preseason contest.
Meanwhile, Nate Herbig has an undisclosed injury, and Keeanu Benton injured his eye during the preseason opener. The status of both players is up in the air. Cole Holcomb remains sidelined as he attempts to work his way back from a significant knee injury, while cornerback Grayson Arnold -- who was in contention for the starting slot cornerback job -- has been placed on IR, effectively ending his season.
Bills Injury Report
- LB Matt Milano (bicep) - Out
- TE Dawson Knox (groin/ankle) - Questionable
- DT Ed Oliver (knee) - Questionable
- LB Nicholas Morrow (groin) - Questionable
- LB Baylon Spector (calf) - Questionable
- WR Byron Thompson (hamstring) - Out
- QB Shane Buechele (neck) - Out
The Bills suffered a devastating blow to their roster just days before their preseason game against the Steelers, as star linebacker Matt Milano will be out indefinitely after suffering a torn bicep.
In addition to a number of questionable players who could suit up in this contest, Buffalo had two players land on IR this week: wide receiver Bryan Thompson and quarterback Shayne Buechele.
Key Players to Watch
Despite notable absences on both sides, there will still be plenty of players and matchups to watch in this contest. Steelers rookie linebacker Payton Wilson flashed in his first preseason game and will look to build on his performance. Likewise, second-year cornerback Cory Trice Jr. performed well in his preseason debut last week and could see some looks with the starting defense.
All eyes will be on quarterback Russell Wilson as he takes the field for his first game in a Steelers uniform. Wilson will look to give the coaching staff confidence in making him the starter to begin the 2024 season. Meanwhile, Justin Fields will come off the bench and try to build on his up-and-down performance against the Texans.
When the Bills take the field, fans should be curious to see how Pittsburgh's defense fares against quarterback Josh Allen. The star quarterback will help battle-test some unproven Steelers defenders.
