A day after neither took part in practice, two of the Pittsburgh Steelers most veteran and most relied-upon defensive players re-joined teammates on UPMC Rooney Sports Complex fields and did enough to be deemed ready to play Sunday.
“If I practiced today,” defensive lineman Cameron Heyward said after Friday’s practice, “I would say I’m confident for Sunday.”
Heyward confirmed he did practice, albeit fewer reps than he would have preferred. He was listed as limited on the status report.
Inside linebacker Elandon Roberts practiced fully and also made it clear he will play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
Roberts has been dealing with a knee injury this week, being limited at Wednesday’s practice in addition to missing the next day’s session. Heyward last week came off injured reserve, a list he had been on since Week 2 because of a groin injury.
“It is what it is,” said Heyward, who returned to action for the win against the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 2. “Had surgery, what, eight weeks now? Beating the odds (in my quick return) doesn’t take away from the fact I am going to be dealing with some swelling.
“It’s getting ready for Sunday, not getting ready for Friday. But as of right now, feeling good.”
Roberts’ availability is of importance to a Steelers defense that last week lost Cole Holcomb for the season because of a major knee injury. The Steelers still have a pair of starters at inside linebacker in Roberts and Kwon Alexander but little experienced depth after that.
No Fitzpatrick, Adams
As expected, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive lineman Montravius Adams were declared out for Sunday’s game. Neither practiced this week.
Adams suffered an ankle injury early during the Titans game, a contest Fitzpatrick missed after suffering a hamstring injury during the Jacksonville game three days prior.
An addition to the injury report Friday was rookie outside linebacker Nick Herbig, who was limited because of a calf injury. Herbig, though, was given the green light to play against the Packers.
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