Steelers vs. Titans: Joe Haden questionable but Alex Highsmith, Robert Spillane to play
It has been more than a month since Joe Haden was able to play in a game. While it is yet to be assured he will play Sunday, the veteran Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback appears to be as close as he has been since suffering a foot injury Nov. 14.
Haden on Friday made it through a full practice for the first time since a tie with the Detroit Lions last month, and he was listed as questionable to play this week on the Steelers’ injury report.
The Steelers are scheduled to host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Haden appeared to express enthusiasm about his status via an Instagram post in which he wrote, “I’m back outside!!!!!!”, accompanied by a photo of him at practice with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Without Haden, the Steelers have lost three of four games and allowed an average of almost 40 points in the defeats. James Pierre eventually was replaced by Ahkello Witherspoon as the starter at outside cornerback in Haden’s place.
Three players who could help the Steelers’ stumbling defense all practiced fully Friday and have been cleared to play Sunday: outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (quad), inside linebacker Robert Spillane (knee) and defensive lineman Carlos Davis (knee). Spillane has missed the past two games, and Davis has not played since the season opener.
Highsmith, a starter, left last week’s loss at Minnesota because of a painful injury that since has healed.
Another player who is good to go against the Titans is reserve offensive tackle Zach Banner, who did not practice Thursday because of a knee ailment.
Also deemed as questionable to play for the Steelers on Sunday are reserve tight end Kevin Rader (hip) and rotational defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs (ankle). Buggs did not practice Friday, and Rader was limited.
The only player who assuredly won’t play against the Titans because of injury is rookie linebacker Buddy Johnson. Eight days after playing the first defensive snaps of his NFL career against the Vikings, Johnson suffered an apparent foot injury. He did not practice Friday after being a full participant all week to that point.
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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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