The Pittsburgh Steelers held their second practice of the week on Thursday and afterwards the team’s updated injury report included a little bit of good news as it relates to the possible availability of one specific defensive player being ready for Sunday’s 2016 home opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
For starters, linebacker Ryan Shazier was able to practice Thursday on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday because of a knee injury that he suffered in the second half of Monday night’s win over the Washington Redskins.
“I think coach [Tomlin] will let you know what the doctor said, but my knee is feeling a lot better and I feel like I should be ready to go,” Shazier said after practice, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I felt good out there, just knocking off some rust.”
Assuming he doesn’t have any setbacks and is able to go fully on Friday, Shazier figures to play against the Bengals. The linebacker recorded 6 total tackles, an interception and a forced fumble against the Redskins in addition to breaking up a pass in the end zone.
After being given the day off on Wednesday, running back DeAngelo Williams (not injury related) practiced fully on Thursday. Also practicing fully on Thursday wide receiver Markus Wheaton (shoulder) and that’s great news being as he missed the game Monday night against the Redskins.
The news isn’t as positive when it comes to fullback Roosevelt Nix (back) and center/guard Cody Wallace (knee) as both players failed to practice on Thursday. Wallace apparently is moving in the wrong direction as he had reportedly practiced fully on Wednesday.
As expected, cornerback Senquez Golson (foot) didn’t practice again on Thursday as he’s long been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Bengals.
