The first practice report of Week 5 looks a lot like the past few weeks for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Special teamers Derek Watt (hamstring) and Marcus Allen (foot) did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, leaving their statuses in doubt for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. But the six other players who did not practice Wednesday are expected to return Thursday.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, center Maurkice Pouncey and defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt were given veteran’s days off, something that is becoming standard procedure for in-season Wednesdays.
Receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson likewise have not taken part in Wednesday practices this season, but even though they are injured, their absences are more for maintenance. Johnson has a toe injury and Smith-Schuster a knee ailment, but neither has failed to return to practice in any previous week nor miss a game.
Johnson has progressed through concussion protocol, coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.
Veteran cornerback Joe Haden also did not practice Wednesday because of illness. The league has a special designation for coronavirus. This illness is not expected to keep Haden out long.
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