Week 5 Injury Report (Cowboys)

The Steelers continued their preparations Thursday for their primetime matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.

Quarterback Russell Wilson said he stepped up the work this week, something coach Mike Tomlin didn’t mention during his weekly news conference. Wilson was still limited in practice on Thursday, but progress continues.

“It was good. I feel great,” Wilson said. “I’m getting better every day.

“I was definitely able to get into team practices and make more plays. Just being able to do that was great this week. And the team playing 11-on-11 and also 7-on-7, all of that too. It was good.

Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi was placed on the injury report with a groin injury. Linebacker Nick Herbig, who did not practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday due to an ankle injury, while defensive lineman Keeanu Benton was able to fully participate in the game due to his ankle injury after being limited the previous day. Both are positive signs for the defense.

The offensive line, a position where injuries have been a concern since the start of the season, has received a boost of late with guard Isaac Seumalo fully participating in practice for the second straight year and the addition of guard Max Scharping.

Scharping is doing what coach Mike Tomlin often refers to as “boarding a moving train,” and the six-year veteran is hoping it won’t take long to get the engine going.

Scharping was released from the Washington Commanders’ practice squad on Tuesday due to James Daniels’ injury and quickly became familiar with his teammates and the offense.

“It’s a blessing,” Scharping said. “Any time you can be on a team like this, especially knowing the history and the success, it’s always a blessing. Historic franchise. Tough, gritty football team, that’s the identity of who they are and that won’t change. That’s who I am.” I’m really excited to be a part of it.

“Now it’s really about getting up to speed as quickly as possible. Get to know the offense as quickly as possible and then just get to know the guys. As an offensive lineman, trust is obviously very important when you’re working with four other guys. So just. “Try to be on the same page with everyone and work together as smoothly as possible.”

Scharping is learning as much as he can about the offense in a very short amount of time.

“Obviously Arthur Smith is new, but I played against him when he was at Tennessee,” Scharping said. “I think it’s a good offense. The players’ skills are incredible. I think there is a lot of talent everywhere. The offensive line is obviously a little broken, that’s why I’m here. But everything I’ve seen is like that.” So far everyone is on the same page and trying to do the right thing, and that’s the most important thing.

Running back is another area plagued by injuries: Jaylen Warren missed the Colts game with a knee injury and Cordarrelle Patterson is now dealing with an ankle injury he suffered against the Colts. Both Warren and Patterson did not practice on Thursday.

The team promoted running back Aaron Shampklin from the practice squad to the active/inactive squad for the Colts game and has now added him to the 53-man roster.

Shampklin saw his first NFL game action against the Colts with a carry for five yards, but he’s preparing for whatever is asked of him this week.

“It felt good to finally be on the field,” Shampklin said. “I try to contribute to the team in some way. Definitely an exciting moment.”

“It feels good to knock it out and really get the feel of real game speed, which is a change from college and everything. Now that the first one is out of the way, I feel a little more comfortable heading into this week.”

“I managed the first game, but it’s a long season. I really didn’t make the impression I wanted. I’m trying to show that I deserve to be here.

Outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon is back in practice and the timing couldn’t be better. Moon returned to training but remains on the reserve/injured list. The Steelers have a 21-day window to either add him to the 53-man roster or he will remain on the reserve/injured list for the remainder of the year.

With outside linebacker Alex Highsmith dealing with a groin injury and time out and Herbig still dealing with an ankle injury, it’s ideal that Moon returns for the first time since Week 2 of the preseason.

“It’s been a long road dealing with a few injuries,” Moon said. “I’m definitely grateful and I’m doing my best to get back, so today is the right day. I did everything, worked with the trainers, ate right and stayed committed. It’s been a while. I’m just grateful for that.” My body is recovered now and everything.

The Steelers claimed Moon off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens at the end of the 2023 season. Moon originally signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft.

Now he wants to get on the field and show what he contributes to the defense.

“I can bring a variety of things,” Moon said. “I feel like I can set the edge, rush the passer, drop coverage and be on (special) teams.”

“Whatever the team asks of me, I’m here to do it.”

The full injury report is below.