OLBs T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith practice for Steelers, remain in concussion protocol
“Batman and Robin” were back at their outside linebacker positions at practice Tuesday.
In an encouraging sign they could be cleared to play in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game Saturday at the Indianapolis Colts, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith were on the field for the first practice of the week. They were listed as limited participants on the league-mandated injury report.
Both remain in NFL concussion protocol, so there is no guarantee either will be able to play Saturday. But that Watt and Highsmith were given the green light to practice leaves open a path for each to progress through protocol in time to face the Colts.
Highsmith suffered what initially was called a neck injury during last Thursday’s loss to the New England Patriots. Watt was inadvertently kneed in the face early in that game, though he did return and finish it. By Saturday morning, the Steelers announced he had entered concussion protocol.
Rookie Nick Herbig and veteran Markus Golden are the Steelers’ top backups at outside linebacker.
Kazee limited; Pierre full
In other injury news from Tuesday’s practice, safety Damontae Kazee was among the host of players given designations as a limited participant. But while the others on the injury report had preexisting ailments, Kazee’s ankle injury was not previously noted.
Three starters — running back Najee Harris (knee), inside linebacker Elandon Roberts (groin) and guard Isaac Seulamo (shoulder) — sat out practice. But each played through his respective injury against the Patriots and is not expected to be impacted by Saturday.
Defensive linemen Cameron Heyward (groin) and Keeanu Benton (oblique) were limited at practice because of injuries that long have landed them on the injury report but have not prevented either from playing in games.
Reserve cornerback James Pierre practiced fully, an indication he will return to game action after missing the New England game because of a shoulder injury.
It was announced by Tomlin on Monday that quarterback Kenny Pickett would miss a second consecutive game Saturday because of an ankle injury.
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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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