DeShon Elliott was back to full practice Thursday, and the Pittsburgh Steelers will gladly take that news before Sunday night's game in Cincinnati. Elliott was limited Wednesday with an ankle issue, but his return to full participation is a pretty good sign that he'll be ready to go against the Bengals, barring any setbacks. That's one less thing for Pittsburgh to worry about heading into a big division matchup.
Elliott only recently returned after missing time with a knee injury. The questions surrounding his comeback were already enough to deal with, so seeing him practice fully is encouraging.
Player | Position | Injury | Wed. | Thur. | Fri. | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ben Skowronek | WR | Calf | FP | FP | ||
DeShon Elliott | S | Ankle | LP | FP | ||
Brandin | CB | Hamstring | FP | FP | ||
Cameron Heyward | DT | NIR/Rest | DNP | DNP | ||
Doneiko | DB | Hamstring | FP | FP | ||
Darnell Washington | TE | NIR/Rest | DNP | DNP | ||
* Derrick | DT | Foot | LP | LP | ||
T.J. Watt | LB | NIR/Rest | DNP | LP |
* injured reserve/designated for return
Derrick Harmon, meanwhile, was limited for the second straight day with his foot injury. His return is promising, but the Steelers have no reason to rush him back before he's ready.
Pittsburgh Steelers get good news on DeShon Elliott, but Derrick Harmon still has work to do
Elliott getting a full practice is exactly what the Steelers wanted to see after Wednesday's limited session. The Bengals' top-performing offense can make life difficult for any secondary, so having Elliott available would be a big plus for Patrick Graham's defense.
Harmon's situation is different. The official Steelers injury report lists him as limited again, and he's still in his practice window. Even if he looks good on the field, the Steelers need to make a roster decision before he can suit up, since they don't have a spot for him on the 53-man roster.
Keeanu Benton and Cameron Heyward have had plenty on their plates inside. Earlier defensive line injuries made the depth situation tougher, so Harmon's return would give Pittsburgh another much-needed option in the rotation. But rushing him back from a foot injury just because the Bengals are next isn't worth it. The matchup (and remaining schedule) is too important to make that gamble.
Good news is that Brandin Echols, Doneiko Slaughter, Ben Skowronek, and Darnell Washington all practiced fully. T.J. Watt was limited for rest, and Heyward sat out for the same.
Friday's report will give us a better idea of where everyone stands for Week 11.
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