Mirroring what coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday, Wednesday’s league-mandated status report indicated a trio of starters are on track for a return to the Pittsburgh Steelers gameday lineup.

Two others who suffered injuries during the team’s most recent game, though, continue to appear unlikely to play Sunday.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and running back Jaylen Warren practiced fully Wednesday, and outside linebacker Alex Highsmith was regarded as a participant. Porter (hamstring) has not played since the Sept. 7 season opener, Highsmith (ankle) has been out of action since Week 2 and Warren did not play in the Steelers’ most recent outing Sept. 28 in Dublin against the Minnesota Vikings.

Tomlin had expressed optimism that all three will be available for Sunday’s 2025 AFC North opener against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.

Cornerback Jalen Ramsey and receiver Calvin Austin III suffered hamstring and shoulder injuries, respectively, against Minnesota. Neither practiced Wednesday, a day after Tomlin sounded much less encouraged either would be able to play against Cleveland.

No other players were on Wednesday’s practice report for injury reasons, but receiver Ben Skowronek was limited because of a listed reason of illness. Cornerback Darius Slay, outside linebacker T.J. Watt and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward were given veteran’s days off (albeit Heyward took part in practice on a limited basis).

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