Updated Injury News for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers released an updated “practice report” via their official Twitter account earlier today:

At least to me, the news of Cortez Allen and Le’Veon Bell fully participating in practice is nothing short of fantastic.  Allen has been sidelined for the last two weeks with an injured ankle, and Bell has yet to see any on-field action since the first drive of Pittsburgh’s second preseason game.

Allen’s return should serve to make the Steelers’ secondary more formidable.  William Gay will shift back to his nickelback role, while rookie Shamarko Thomas should return to his free safety position since Allen will be covering the slot in sub-packages.

Bell on the other hand will enter the mix for touches at running back with Felix Jones and Jonathan Dwyer, and the rookie recently drew some high praise from Marcus Gilbert.  How much playing time Bell will receive has not been reported, but if he is healthy he should see his first taste of regular season action.

Steve McLendon and Brett Keisel participating fully was not a shock, especially since both started each of Pittsburgh’s first three games.  Miller’s limited participation in practice could be a cause for concern, but I will remind some of you readers that there are still two full days left for the tight end to ready himself before the Steelers take on the Vikings at Wembley Stadium.

For now though, let’s be happy that the Steelers have Allen returning to the lineup, Bell set to make his regular season debut, two of their three starting defensive linemen set to play for a fourth consecutive week, and their starting tight end even practicing.

Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com and Pro Football Reference

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