Steelers Rule Out Breakout Addition, 2 Others vs. Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers released their final injury report on December 5, which included news that three players will be ruled out for Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Of course, one of these absences — first-round defensive lineman Derrick Harmon — was already ruled out by head coach Mike Tomlin earlier in the week, but the other two are new designations. The Athletic’s Steelers correspondent Mike DeFabo was among those relaying the news on X.

“Starting strong safety Kyle Dugger is OUT with a hand injury,” DeFabo noted. “Jabrill Peppers and Chuck Clark are the next two options, probably in that order. Tomlin also declared Derrick Harmon out on Tuesday.”

DeFabo also shared a screenshot of the updated injury report, which informed followers that backup offensive lineman Calvin Anderson was also ruled “out” with a knee injury. There were no other injury designations for any other players.

Which means linebacker Patrick Queen, edge rusher T.J. Watt, guard Isaac Seumalo, and defensive back Jalen Ramsey are all good to go despite missing varying amounts of practice time this week.

Kyle Dugger Injury News Is a Big Loss for Steelers vs. Ravens

The key absence here is Dugger. Since joining the Steelers, the former New England Patriots draft pick has been a revelation at safety — ousting Clark and Juan Thornhill out of a starting job and a roster spot, respectively.

Clark is still with the team and could start in Week 14, but either way, Dugger will be missed.

Over his first 5 starts with Pittsburgh, Dugger has contributed 23 total tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 1 interception, 4 pass breakups, and a defensive touchdown. He’s also just looked the part as a great fit within Tomlin’s scheme.

In fact, Dugger got off to such a good start that some are already suggesting the Steelers extend him prior to 2026 free agency. If Pittsburgh were to do that, the front office could enter next offseason with Ramsey, Dugger, and injured starter DeShon Elliott all under contract at safety, giving Tomlin a solid trio to work with going forward.

Steelers’ Keys to the Game in Week 14

Steelers.com contributor Matt Williamson highlighted two key matchups for the Steelers and Ravens in Week 14; quarterback Aaron Rodgers against do-it-all safety Kyle Hamilton, and the Pittsburgh linebackers versus Ravens star running back Derrick Henry.

“Hamilton is an exceptional player that Baltimore employs in a very wide variety of ways,” Williamson explained, detailing the first matchup. “Last season, he stabilized the Ravens defense by predominantly playing in the deep middle. This year, Hamilton is being used near the line of scrimmage in a very disruptive manner.”

Rodgers will have to account for where Hamilton is on every down.

As for the latter matchup, Williamson wrote: “Buffalo’s running game caused the Steelers all kinds of problems last week. Over the past several years, Baltimore has been one of the NFL’s best rushing teams. Generally, that is a nasty combination of Henry and Lamar Jackson, but Jackson has been running far less since his return from injury.”

If the Steelers can slow Henry down and force Jackson to beat them with his arm, that’s generally the recipe for success against the Ravens. Baltimore’s pass protection has struggled this season, so getting to Jackson and making him uncomfortable inside the pocket will be just as important.