Trenton Thompson missed another practice, putting into question the availability of yet another Pittsburgh Steelers safety for Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Thompson has not practiced this week after suffering what initially was characterized by the team as a “stinger” during this past Saturday’s loss at the Indianapolis Colts. Thompson’s neck injury compounds the situation at his position for the Steelers, who are assured of being without starters Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee injury), Keanu Neal (on injured reserve) and Damontae Kazee (suspension).
Veteran Patrick Peterson — purportedly a cornerback — is expected to play more at safety against Cincinnati. Veteran safety Eric Rowe also is expected to be elevated from the practice squad to make his Steelers debut Saturday. Special-teams captain Miles Killebrew is another option, as is Elijah Riley.
Riley was a full practice participant Wednesday, a day after being cleared to return. Riley (ankle) remains on the injured reserve list and must be activated within a 21-day window that began Tuesday.
Also promoted to a full participant Wednesday after being limited Tuesday per the league-mandated injury report were defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (concussion protocol), tight end Pat Freiermuth (knee) and right tackle Broderick Jones (ankle).
Two starters on offense who did not practice Tuesday returned to take part in Wednesday’s session: running back Najee Harris (full) and left guard Isaac Seumalo (limited). Harris has a knee injury and Seumalo a shoulder ailment. Both have played the past two games despite being listed on the injury report.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle) was a limited practice participant for the second day in a row.
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