Steelers running back James Conner was a full participant at practice on Thursday, moving him one step closer to playing in Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Conner, who left the Steelers Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks with a knee injury, did not practice on Wednesday. Head coach Mike Tomlin called him questionable on Tuesday.
Cornerback Joe Haden did not practice for the second straight day. He said his injured right shoulder is feeling better and that he is ahead of his recovery pace from last week, when he did not practice until Friday. Haden expects to practice on Friday and play on Sunday.
Tight end Vance McDonald, who was limited in practice with a back injury on Wednesday, was a full participant on Thursday as well.
Outside linebacker Bud Dupree was added to the injury report on Thursday after being limited with an ankle injury.
Fellow linebackers Vince Williams (hamstring) and Anthony Chickillo (plantar fasciitis, right foot) also missed their second consecutive practice. They are questionable for Sunday, according to Tomlin, but if history is a guide, will have to practice on Friday to have a chance to play.
Fullback Roosevelt Nix is expected to miss this Sunday’s game with a knee injury.
Inside linebacker Mark Barron missed practice in a non-injury-related absence.