Donte Jackson said he was “feeling good” after practice Thursday. But Jackson’s back was not feeling good enough for the Pittsburgh Steelers to give him any better than a “questionable” designation to play in Saturday’s regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Jackson was listed as a limited participant at Thursday’s practice on the league-mandated injury report. Jackson also was limited Wednesday when a back injury suffered during the Dec. 15 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles was aggravated. Jackson did not play the following week in Baltimore but returned for the home Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Had a little minor setback (Wednesday) but just have been getting the treatment,” Jackson said Thursday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “The back has still been bothering me. But feeling good right now, as we speak. Just going to keep staying on the treatment and getting ready to have myself ready to go on Saturday night. Just trying not to rush anything, not trying to force anything. So just staying on the plan. The coaches have a great plan for me, trainers have a great plan for me. That’s just what I am focused on.”
If Jackson cannot play that will make four consecutive games the Steelers are without their two starting outside cornerbacks for the full game. Joey Porter Jr. left the Ravens game early because of a knee injury that prevented him from being in uniform against Kansas City.
Porter, though, was a full practice participant this week and will play against the Bengals.
“I wanted to get out there as soon possible, but (management) wanted to (stay cautious),” Porter said Thursday. “I am back now. I’m healthy. I feel good, so I am ready to play.”
Also given the official green light to play Saturday were running back Jaylen Warren, receiver Ben Skowronek and backup quarterback Justin Fields. Skowronek missed the Chiefs game because of a hip injury, Fields has not appeared in the past two games because of an abdominal ailment and Warren had suffered a minor rib injury in the game against the Chiefs.
Three players who returned to practice this week but remain on injury lists — inside linebacker Cole Holcomb, receiver Roman Wilson and defensive lineman Logan Lee — were ruled out for Saturday.
