The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping to get defensive end Stephon Tuitt (knee) back on the field again for their key Sunday game at Heinz Field against the Oakland Raiders at Heinz Field, however, judging by the first injury report of the week that was released on Wednesday, the second-year Notre Dame product is still not practicing fully.
Tuitt, who has missed the last two games with a sprained knee, was limited in Wednesday’s practice. He’ll probably need to practice fully by Friday in order to play Sunday against the Raiders. Should Tuitt wind up sitting the game out, nose tackle Steve McLendon would likely start at left defensive end in his place.
Safety Will Allen (knee) was also limited on Wednesday as well. The veteran has been sidelined with an ankle injury since Week 5.
Not practicing at all on Wednesday were wide receiver Markus Wheaton (ankle), wide receiver Martavis Bryant (illness), tight end Matt Spaeth (knee) and linebacker Terence Garvin (knee). Being as Mike Tomlin did not mention the first three players on that list during his Tuesday press conference, one would think that their injuries aren’t considered to be serious. Garvin, on the other hand, has already been ruled out for the game against the Raiders.
Quarterback Mike Vick (hamstring) and safety Mike Mitchell (concussion) both practiced fully on Wednesday. Vick has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury while Mitchell was knocked out of Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a concussion-like symptoms.
Linebacker James Harrison (not injury related), cornerback William Gay (not injury related) and tight end Heath Miller (not injury related) were all given veteran days off on Wednesday.
