DBs Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott return to practice for Steelers

A pair of starters have taken the first steps in their respective returns to the Pittsburgh Steelers secondary.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and safety DeShon Elliott each participated in Wednesday’s practice, according to the injury report. It’s the first time either had done so since suffering injuries during the Sept. 7 season-opening win at the New York Jets.

Porter suffered a hamstring injury and Elliott a knee ailment that day. Each was listed as a limited participant for Wednesday’s practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

The Steelers practice again Thursday before departing for Ireland later in the day. They will practice in Dublin on Friday, after which the official status report for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings will be released.

Porter and Elliott are the only players of note on Wednesday’s injury report. Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (knee) has already been ruled out for a second consecutive week, and inside linebacker Patrick Queen (oblique) was limited Wednesday but did not miss any game snaps this past Sunday because of that injury.

Six starters were given the day off by coach Mike Tomlin: defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, outside linebacker T.J. Watt, cornerback Darius Slay, tight end Jonnu Smith, guard Isaac Seumalo and running back Jaylen Warren.

Of note is that Wednesday is believed to be the first such “veteran’s day off” in the career of the four-year veteran Warren, who turns 27 in 4 1/2 weeks.

Slay was not given an injury designation despite being down for a time during Sunday’s win at the New England Patriots.