Broderick Jones limited at Steelers practice; Alex Highsmith, Darius Slay remain out

Pittsburgh Steelers starting left tackle Broderick Jones returned to practice Thursday, but it was on a limited basis because of a groin injury.

Jones said it was “pretty much” the same ailment that caused him to miss practice time during training camp. Jones has not missed any game time this season. He did not practice Wednesday.

“I pretty much was able to do everything,” Jones said of his participation at Thursday’s practice. “I just wasn’t in probably as much.”

Starting outside linebacker Alex Highsmith missed a second consecutive practice because of a pectoral injury that he said occurred midway through this past Sunday’s loss at the Los Angels Chargers.

Still, Highsmith sounded confident he will be able to play in this Sunday’s home game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“I’m optimistic,” he said, “so we’ll see what happens.”

Slay, Seumalo status quo

Two other starters on the league-mandated injury report remained status quo: cornerback Darius Slay (concussion) again did not practice, and left guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) again was listed as limited.

Slay was viewed on the field during the early individual-drill portions of practice that are open to media photography.

Holcomb returns

For the first time in more than two weeks, inside linebacker Cole Holcomb took part in practice. Holcomb, who has been listed as “DNP” because of illness since Oct. 29, was regarded as a limited participant Thursday.

The top backup at inside linebacker, Holcomb missed each of the past two games.

The statuses for three other players did not change from Wednesday to Thursday. Receiver Scotty Miller (finger) and safety Jabrill Peppers (quadriceps) practiced fully again after each had missed the past two games, and cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring/knee) remained out.