Steelers WR Michael Pittman Jr. downgraded to DNP Thursday

Tua Tagovailoa missed his second consecutive practice with an oblique injury and has yet to participate this week.

Related Players: Cooper Rush, Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Jahan Dotson, Olamide Zaccheaus

Tagovailoa is trending toward an absence, but Atlanta’s replacement remains uncertain. Rush offers the safer health profile, while Penix would carry more volatility after returning from a significant knee injury. London and Pitts would retain starting consideration with either quarterback, though both would have reduced passing-game ceilings.

Olave was added to Thursday’s injury report because of a hamstring injury. He was able to participate on a limited basis.

Related Players: Tyler Shough, Devaughn Vele, Bryce Lance, Barion Brown, Juwan Johnson, Noah Fant

Friday’s participation will be important because Olave was added rather than carried over from Wednesday. Vele would become New Orleans’ leading wide-receiver option if Olave cannot play, with Johnson and Fant potentially absorbing additional middle-of-the-field opportunities. Shough would receive a significant downgrade without his clear No. 1 target.

Flowers did not practice Thursday because of his hamstring injury, his second consecutive absence. Head coach Jesse Minter has described Flowers as day-to-day.

Baltimore is already without rookie Ja’Kobi Lane, who was placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle acknowledged that the team may need to adjust its game plan if Flowers is unavailable.

Related Players: Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, Chris Moore, LaJohntay Wester, Devontez Walker, Elijah Sarratt

Flowers will likely need to return Friday to enter the weekend without a highly concerning designation. Bateman and Andrews would be the primary beneficiaries of an absence, while Moore, Walker, Wester and Sarratt could all receive additional reps. Baltimore also had two starting offensive linemen miss Thursday, adding modest downside to the entire offense.