Coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday expressed optimism that all of the Pittsburgh Steelers injured players would get an opportunity to practice this week and prove they could return to game action Sunday.
That proved mostly true Wednesday, with the notable exception of one important veteran.
Joe Haden did not take to the practice field, suggesting the 12th-year cornerback could miss a fifth consecutive game when the Steelers host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Haden has a foot injury that has lingered since he suffered it during the Nov. 14 tie with the Detroit Lions.
Two other defensive starters — outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith — practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, six days after each could not finish a loss at the Minnesota Vikings because of groin and quadriceps injuries, respectively.
Also limited at practice were inside linebacker Robert Spillane (knee) and reserve tight end Kevin Rader (hip). Defensive linemen Isaiah Buggs (ankle) and Carlos Davis (knee) were full participants. Buggs missed last week’s game because of injury, and Davis has not played since the season opener.
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