While still lengthy, the Pittsburgh Steelers second injury report of the week that was released on Thursday ahead of their upcoming Sunday game at Heinz Field against the Cleveland Browns does include some positive news.
For starters, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (foot) was able to practice on a limited basis Thursday after sitting out the team’s Wednesday practice with a sprained left foot.
While Roethlisberger is still likely questionable to play Sunday against the Browns, the fact that he’s already back practicing again is a sign that he should be able to play against the Seattle Seahawks following the team’s Week 11 bye. Roethlisberger still hasn’t ruled himself out for Sunday’s game, however, so we’ll have to see how he’s listed on Friday’s injury report.
In other positive news, running back DeAngelo Williams (foot), tackle Marcus Gilbert (toe), fullback/tight end Will Johnson (back), tight end Heath Miller (not injury related), running back Isaiah Pead (knee) and nose tackle Steve McLendon (elbow) all practiced fully on Thursday. Williams said prior to Thursday’s practice that he expects to play Sunday against the Browns.
Limited on Thursday for a second straight day was linebacker Terence Garvin (knee). However, head coach Mike Tomlin has already ruled him out for Sunday’s game.
Linebacker James Harrison (knee), linebacker Ryan Shazier (knee), tight end Matt Spaeth (knee) and safety Shamarko Thomas (knee) all failed to practice again on Thursday. Spaeth has already been ruled out for the Browns game and it’s not looking good for Harrison, Shazier and Thomas as all three are dealing with knee injuries.
Should Shazier wind up missing Sunday’s game, Sean Spence will likely start in his place with Vince Williams also likely to see some playing time. Should Harrison wind up sitting,Arthur Moats might be asked to play on both sides of the defense on Sunday and rotate with Bud Dupree and Jarvis Jones.
The Steelers also added wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (hamstring) to their injury report on Thursday as he was limited during practice with a hamstring injury.
