PITTSBURGH -- The unbeaten Steelers are getting another key member of their defense back in time to take on the Washington Football Team on Monday night, but the status of a few other important players is not as clear.
Pittsburgh activated defensive end Stephon Tuitt from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday morning. Tuitt, who was placed on the list Nov. 27, missed Wednesday's 19-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
Tuitt has been a significant contributor on the defensive line this season, racking up a career-high seven sacks, his best output since he had 6.5 in 2015. He has forced two fumbles this year and has two passes defended along with 18 quarterback hits and 32 tackles.
With Tuitt's return, the Steelers (11-0) still have three players on the COVID-19 list: running back James Conner, center Maurkice Pouncey and offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins.
While Tuitt is back, others are questionable for Monday's game -- including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger did not participate in any of the three practices on the short week between games, sitting out with a designation of "not injury related/knee." He previously suffered minor injuries to his knees against the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 8, missing just one series before halftime.
Roethlisberger, who didn't mention any injury concerns Friday, is no stranger to playing without practicing. After spending a week on the reserve/COVID-19 list as a "high-risk close contact," he had his best game of the season against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 15 with more than 300 passing yards and four touchdowns.
The Steelers have also listed starting cornerback Steve Nelson as doubtful with a knee injury that required an MRI after Wednesday's game. He was able to finish the game. Kicker Chris Boswell appeared on the injury report for the first time Saturday and is listed as questionable with a hip injury. He did not practice Saturday.
The Steelers have another kicker in the building, newly signed practice squad kicker Matthew Wright, who took Boswell's place at practice Saturday.