The Steelers began their preparation for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium with a mix of familiar faces back on the field, while also missing some key players.
Linebacker Alex Highsmith, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and running back Jaylen Warren are all working their way back after missing time recently. Porter and Warren were both full participants in practice on Wednesday, while Highsmith was limited.
Warren missed the Vikings games with a knee injury, Highsmith missed the last two games with an ankle injury, while Porter missed three games with a hamstring injury.
“I feel really encouraged about the return of some people who’ve been out,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “Guys like Alex Highsmith and Joey Porter Jr., for example, worked (Monday) on our bonus day and the arrow’s pointed up on their participation.
“We’ll follow them throughout the week to make sure it continues to move. In the appropriate direction.
“I think the same thing could be said for Jaylen Warren. Obviously, he missed the last game but looked really good (Monday). So, I’m excited about those guys.”
Two players who there is still optimism for but are slowed at the early part of the week, are receiver Calvin Austin III and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Neither player practiced on Wednesday.
“Two guys that we’re watching very closely that certainly are going to be limited at the front part of the week, but may perk up and be included toward the latter part of the week, are Calvin Austin with his shoulder and Jalen Ramsey with his hamstring,” said Tomlin. “Both have been aggressive from a rehabilitation standpoint during the bye week.
“Really encouraged about the potential of those guys, but we’ll take it certainly day-to-day.”
If Austin can’t go, there are options with Roman Wilson and Scotty Miller.
“It’s not necessarily about pulling from people that aren’t here,” said Tomlin. “It’s about the elevational roles of guys like Roman Wilson and Scotty Miller, for example. Excited about watching those guys work and maybe get some elevated participation.
“I think that’s one of the beautiful things of the journey that is a season. You’re going to get faced with some challenges as a collective. One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity.
“Case in point, Jaylen Warren wasn’t able to go in Dublin, and I think a lot of people had an opportunity to appreciate Kenny Gainwell, something that we already appreciated, something that we’ve been watching day to day during the course of team development.
“So hopefully a week from now, if Calvin is unavailable, we’re saying the same things about some others.”
The full injury and practice report is below.