Sporting a new black wrap on his fractured left wrist, Aaron Rodgers was a full participant in practice Thursday for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It represented the first extended practice participation for Rodgers since he injured his wrist in the first half two weeks ago against Cincinnati, and it is a step toward Rodgers starting Sunday against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium.

Rodgers did not practice Wednesday and was not wearing a brace on his wrist when he spoke with reporters.

Rodgers wasn’t the only veteran Steelers player to take part in a full practice Thursday. Wide receiver DK Metcalf, who did not practice Wednesday because of ankle discomfort, also practiced as did outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (pectoral), guard Isaac Seumalo (non-injury), tight end Jonnu Smith (non-injury), outside linebacker T.J. Watt (non-injury) and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (non-injury).

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was limited for the second day in a row because of a hip flexor. Players who did not practice Thursday included wide receiver Ben Skowronek (shoulder), tackle Broderick Jones (neck) and defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee). Jones and Harmon have been ruled out from playing against the Bills.

Give and take

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin wasn’t upset about inside linebacker Patrick Queen suggesting after the 31-28 loss in Chicago that the defense knew what plays were coming but weren’t put in the correct positions to stop them.

“There are always going to be things that happen every game that we’re not happy with as coaches, and they’re not happy as players,” Austin said. “That’s why we get back at it every week.”

Austin believes the Steelers have a better understanding of how to correct the defensive breakdowns after watching tape this week. Input was provided from both sides.

“Feedback is always good,” Austin said. “I’d much rather have guys that have some feedback and want to know, ‘Hey, how we can we make this better, can we make this better’ than guys who go, ‘Ugh,’ and just throw their hands up in the air.”

Lack of Harmon-y

With Harmon scheduled to miss the game because of a knee injury, Austin is looking for someone to step up and fill the void among a cast of players who haven’t received much playing time this season.

Candidates include rookie Yahya Black, second-year defensive lineman Logan Lee, Esezi Otomewo and Brodric Martin-Rhodes. Black is the only member of that quartet who has played in every game this season. Lee has been inactive the past seven weeks. Otomewo has appeared in six games, and Martin-Rhodes recently was signed off Kansas City’s practice squad.

“We have guys rotating around to see who can replace him,” Austin said.

Black has the best chance of replacing Harmon in the base defense. Martin-Rhodes and Lee will compete for a spot on the game-day roster.

“I’m excited to see how guys finish up practice this week and decide who is going to be the guy to get the helmet and have an opportunity to help us,” Austin said.

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