The Pittsburgh Steelers have now released their second official injury report of Week 15 ahead of their Sunday night home game against the Buffalo Bills and the Thursday offering includes an interesting development when it comes to one key offensive player looking to return to action this weekend after missing the team’s last three games.
After being listed as a full practice participant on Wednesday, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) is listed as being limited on Thursday and apparently he left practice early. Offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner was asked about Smith-Schuster leaving practice early on Thursday when he met with the media and he reportedly said he thought the wide receiver was “okay.” We’ll now wait and see if Smith-Schuster is able to go full on Friday. He’s missed the Steelers last three games with a knee injury.
Running back James Conner (shoulder) practiced fully again on Thursday as he continues his attempt to get back on the field Sunday after missing the last three games. Fellow running back Jaylen Samuels (groin) also practiced fully on Thursday after sitting out the team’s Wednesday session. Samuels said after practice he expects to play Sunday against the Bills.
Sitting out on Thursday were guard Ramon Foster (not injury related) and wide receiver Johnny Holton (illness). Foster was given the day off while Holton was out sick.
Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (concussion) is listed Thursday as being a limited practice participant after sitting out the team’s Wednesday session. McDonald is likely still in the concussion protocol so he remains questionable to play on Sunday against the Bills.
After sitting out Wednesday’s practice, inside linebacker Mark Barron (not injury related), guard David DeCastro (not injury related), center Maurkice Pouncey (not injury related) and tackle Alejandro Villanueva (not injury related) all practiced fully on Thursday as expected. Those four players were given veteran days off on Wednesday.
