The Pittsburgh Steelers have now wrapped up their Thursday practice and head coach Mike Tomlin updated the injury report afterwards.
While running back Le’Veon Bell (hamstring) was able to suit up Thursday, he was eased back into action and held out of several team drills. Tomlin said that was the same for wide receiver C.J. Goodwin (shoulder).
Veteran running back LeGarrette Blount (coach’s decision) was given the day off Thursday and Tomlin described it as a maintenance day. He also inferred that tight ends Matt Spaeth (coach’s decision) and Michael Palmer (coach’s decision) were also given maintenance days, so we will have to wait and see if they both practice Friday.
Tomlin did not update the status of rookie linebacker Jordan Zumwalt (groin) and rookie tight end Rob Blanchflower (ankle), but both also sat out the Thursday session.
As for new injuries, wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (unknown) left practice with the trainers after suffering an injury during drills against defensive backs. Speculation is that he might have been kneed in the head. Tomlin said he didn’t see the injury and really doesn’t know his status outside of him being evaluated.
Rookie tight end Eric Waters (back) left practice Thursday with a lower back injury of some description, according to Tomlin, and is also being evaluated.
Tomlin didn’t update the status of the two PUP players, safety Mike Mitchell (groin) and running back Alvester Alexander (groin), but both reportedly are still working on the side with the trainers.
The Steelers next practice will be Friday night at Latrobe Memorial Stadium underneath the lights.
