The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to prepare for their Sunday game at Heinz Field against the New Orleans Saints and the first official injury report of the week has now been released.
Not practicing Wednesday were wide receiver Martavis Bryant (illness), safety Troy Polamalu (not injury related), tight end Heath Miller (not injury related) and defensive end Brett Keisel (not injury related).
Polamalu, Miller and Keisel were given veteran days off and all three will likely practice fully the rest of the week. Head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that he expects Polamalu to be back this week.
Limited Wednesday were tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle) and nose tackle Steve McLendon (shoulder). At least McLendon was able to do something, but unless he can practice fully at some point this week, he’ll more than likely miss the game Sunday against the Saints. Tomlin deemed McLendon as questionable on Tuesday. As for Gilbert, he suffered his ankle injury during Wednesday’s practice, so it looks like there’s a chance he might miss the Saints game. If indeed Gilbert is unable to play Sunday, Mike Adams will get the start at right tackle.
Cornerback Ike Taylor (forearm), linebacker Ryan Shazier (ankle), cornerback Cortez Allen (thumb) and safety Shamarko Thomas (hamstring) all practiced fully Wednesday and all four players are looking like they will play against the Saints.
Allen’s status might be the iffiest right now as he continues to recover from a surgically repaired thumb that he broke in practice just prior to the Week 11 Monday night game against the Tennessee Titans.
