NFL Player News

Black (personal) is active for Thursday's game against Cleveland, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Black carried a questionable designation but has since been cleared for action in Week 4. The 24-year-old logged 54 defensive snaps combined in the first three games of the 2026 campaign, accumulating four total tackles (one solo).

McConkey (foot) was seen walking out of the locker room with a limp after not taking part in Thursday's practice, Kris Rhim of ESPN reports.

McConkey showed up on the Chargers' first Week 4 injury report Wednesday as limited due to a foot injury. His downgrade to DNP one day later was potentially an ominous sign of things to come, and the aforementioned limp adds fuel to the fire that he may be in danger of sitting out Sunday's game at Seattle. Ultimately, the team may clarify McConkey's status when it posts its final practice report of the week Friday.

Benford (toe) did not participate in practice Wednesday or Thursday.

Benford suffered a toe injury during the third quarter of Sunday's Week 3 win over the Chargers and didn't return to the contest. With consecutive DNPs to begin the week of prep, the veteran cornerback's status for Sunday's matchup against the Patriots is looking very iffy. Should Benford not be able to suit up for that game, Davison Igbinosun could draw the start.

Ferguson (ankle) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Like Ferguson, Colby Parkinson (knee/shoulder) also logged a second straight DNP to begin the practice week. If neither tight end is able to play Sunday against Philadelphia, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen and rookie Max Klare would be in line for heavy snaps in a Los Angeles offense that uses three-plus tight ends more than any other team.

Ramsey (wrist) is active for Thursday's game versus Cleveland, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Ramsey suffered a broken wrist in the Week 3 win over Cincinnati. However, the injury won't keep him off the field, which isn't encouraging news for Cleveland's pass-catchers. The 31-year-old appeared in Pittsburgh's first three games of the 2026 campaign, amassing 17 total tackles (nine solo), one forced fumble and one pass defended.

Donald (back) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Donald is working through some back soreness, and it's unclear if he'll be able to suit up Sunday against the Eagles. Braden Fiske would be in line for heavy snaps if Donald is unable to play.

Smith (hamstring) isn't expected to be available Sunday versus the Rams, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.

For a second straight week, Smith is dealing with a hamstring injury, but he was able to play through it during Monday's loss at Chicago, logging all 50 offensive snaps en route to six catches (on eight targets) for 65 yards. He hasn't practiced so far this week, and McManus' report indicates Smith likely will remain out Friday before the team eventually makes a ruling on his status for Week 4. If Smith doesn't suit up this weekend, Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon would be the primary beneficiaries in the receiving corps.

Allar (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's game against Cleveland, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph are active for the AFC North showdown with the Browns, and Will Howard (coach's decision) will serve as the emergency quarterback. As a result, Allar will be a healthy scratch for the fourth consecutive week.

Sanders (appendix) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Sanders underwent surgery to have his appendix removed on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and he didn't play in Week 3 against the Chargers. The second-year pro didn't practice Wednesday to begin Week 4 prep, but he was able to participate in a limited capacity Thursday. That's a good sign Sanders is healing well, though it remains to be seen if he'll be ready to suit up Sunday versus New England.

Howard (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's game against Cleveland. However, he is listed as the Steelers' emergency quarterback, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph occupy the top two spots on the depth chart, though if both of those players exit the game due to injury, illness or ejection, Howard will see the field as the emergency signal-caller.