James Conner, Kevin Dotson sit out Steelers practice, but Joe Haden a full participant
Veteran cornerback Joe Haden was a full participant at Pittsburgh Steelers practice on Thursday, the strongest indication yet he has advanced entirely through NFL concussion protocol and will be available to play in Monday night’s game at the Cincinnati Bengals.
Haden missed last week’s loss against the Buffalo Bills after a hit to the head in the prior game against Washington. Coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday had said Haden’s return was expected. Cameron Sutton is the top backup in an every-down role at outside cornerback. He can return to his dime role when Haden returns.
Among those not practicing Thursday were running back James Conner and guard Kevin Dotson. Conner, who missed the previous two games while on the reserve/covid-19 list, suffered a quadriceps injury in Buffalo. Dotson had to leave the game because of a shoulder ailment.
Dotson is atop the depth chart at left guard since the Steelers placed starter Matt Feiler on injured reserve Monday. J.C. Hassenauer replaced Dotson late in the game against the Bills.
Special-teamer Sean Davis also did not practice Thursday. It was listed as because of illness. If Davis had tested positive for coronavirus, he would have been placed on the covid list.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was given his weekly day off.
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Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.
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