Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon did not practice for the second consecutive day, leaving his status for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets in peril. But star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was again a full participant, suggesting he is progressing well through NFL concussion protocol.
Witherspoon suffered a hamstring injury during last week’s loss at the Cleveland Browns. Fitzpatrick entered league concussion protocol after that game. Witherspoon did not practice Wednesday, but Fitzpatrick did.
Witherspoon has one final chance to show his readiness for Sunday: Friday’s practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. If he cannot play, Levi Wallace would have a more significant role as one of the every-down outside cornerbacks, and Arthur Maulet would figure to pick up the slack from the nickel spot.
Also practicing fully Thursday, as each did Wednesday, were starting left guard Kevin Dotson (ankle) and punter Pressley Harvin (hip).
Veteran defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi did not practice, but that was attributed to rest. Ogunjobi had offseason foot surgery.
The only change to the Jets’ injury report from Wednesday was starting defensive end John Franklin-Myers (toe) was promoted from a limited to a full participant for Thursday’s practice. Quarterback Zach Wilson (full practice, knee), cornerback Brandin Echols (limited, hamstring) and inside linebacker Quincy Williams (did not practice, ankle) remained the same.
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