The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into one of the NFL’s biggest international showcases of the season. It’s Week 4 clash against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland. But the build-up to the game has been clouded by uncertainty over one of Pittsburgh’s newest offensive weapons. Tight end Jonnu Smith has been officially listed as questionable with a hip injury, and his availability is one of the most pressing questions facing the Steelers.
Smith appeared on the Steelers’ injury list late in the week, raising eyebrows after he had already missed a Wednesday session designated as a “veteran rest day.” According to the team’s official injury report, Smith was limited on Thursday and Friday with a hip issue and has been tagged as questionable for the matchup.
Fantasy and injury analysts highlighted the timing, noting that the hip concern is new and came after what was initially expected to be a routine maintenance day. “Smith (hip/rest) was limited in Thursday’s practice. The hip issue is new for Smith after he was listed as a DNP due to rest only on Wednesday,” RotoWire stated.
That observation reinforces the genuine doubt around his status. While a rest day is planned, a sudden designation of “hip” is a red flag. In NFL injury reporting, “questionable” means a player has roughly a 50–50 chance of suiting up. It’s not a smokescreen, but it’s also not a commitment. Teams must declare their official inactives 90 minutes before kickoff. Until then, Smith’s final status will remain unresolved. That’s why CBS Sports’ assessment put it bluntly: “The limited practice would suggest Smith has a chance to play Sunday morning against the Vikings unless he was injured in Thursday’s session.”
For Smith, the moment is about more than just one game. It’s a chance to show durability in a career that has too often been interrupted by injuries. Whether he takes the field in Dublin or not, his presence, or absence, will shape how the Steelers approach one of their most unique games of the season.