Alex Highsmith, Darnell Washington return to Steelers practice; Connor Heyward absent

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and tight end Darnell Washington returned to Pittsburgh Steelers practice Thursday, but tight end Connor Heyward sat out because of a knee injury.

Highsmith (ankle) and Washington (foot) missed Wednesday’s practice because of injuries suffered during Sunday’s win against the Indianapolis Colts. That each returned Thursday — albeit for Highsmith in a limited capacity, per the injury report — indicates they are on track to play in Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Chargers.

Heyward, though, was a new addition to the injury report. A knee injury kept him out of Thursday’s practice session. Starting left guard Isaac Seumalo sat out a second consecutive day’s practice but he also missed Wednesday and Thursday last week before suiting up to start for the Sunday game.

Seumalo has not finished each of the past two games, however, because of his pectoral injury.

Safety Chuck Clark practiced fully for the second consecutive day and is regarded as recovered from the illness that prevented him from playing in the Colts games.

Also absent from that game — but continuing to miss practice — are safety Jabrill Peppers (quadriceps), receiver Scotty Miller (finger), cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (knee) and inside linebacker Cole Holcomb (illness).

Trice remains on injured reserve, as does rookie quarterback Will Howard (finger). Howard continues to be labeled a full practice participant.