Cornerback Cory Trice returned to Pittsburgh Steelers practice Thursday, opening up a window during which he must be activated off the injured reserve list.
Trice played in the first three games of this season — having an interception in the end zone during a Week 2 victory at the Denver Broncos — but has been out since Sept. 22 because of a hamstring injury.
Having missed more than the required four games since going on IR, Trice’s return to practice indicates the Steelers can activate him to the active roster at any point over the ensuring 21 days.
The 6-foot-3, 206-pound Trice was an intriguing seventh-round pick in 2023 and was opening eyes in his rookie training camp before suffering a torn ACL early that August that ended his season.
Trice won a job as a reserve defensive back during this camp and preseason and was serving as a dime DB when the season began. He played 29 defensive snaps and 19 on special teams over his three games of action. Trice has lined up as a hybrid linebacker, outside cornerback, slot/nickel back and even free safety.
He was listed as a full practice participant on Thursday’s injury report.
