Steelers Injury Updates: Anthony McFarland in Concussion Protocol

Steelers rookie running back Anthony McFarland is in the concussion protocol after being injured in practice Thursday, head coach Mike Tomlin announced.

McFarland, the Steelers’ fourth-round draft pick out of Maryland, was working as a kick returner during the team’s live action special teams session before his injury.

His injury adds to a running back room that was without Kerrith Whyte (groin), who was injured on Tuesday. Wendell Smallwood (shoulder) began working his way back into the lineup.

Tomlin said that fullback Derek Watt has been limited throughout camp as he recovers from offseason surgery, but is on track to be able to play in the season opener against the New York Giants.

“We’ve been thoughtful about his process as a guy that’s coming off a surgery,” Tomlin said. “He’s getting an in-helmet perspective on work every day.”

Also missing practice was tight end Eric Ebron, who has an illness, and wide receiver Ryan Switzer, who injured his foot on Tuesday.

Other players that were less than full participants, per Tomlin, were defensive end Chris Wormley (shoulder), wide receiver Diontae Johnson (calf), wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (undisclosed), guard Kevin Dotson (knee) and safety Terrell Edmunds (left knee).

Tomlin did not update the status of cornerback Alexander Myres (groin) and offensive lineman Jarron Jones (undisclosed).


Tackle Chukwuma Okorafor (groin) returned to action, as did tight end Vance McDonald, who had a day off on Tuesday.