Steelers Injury Updates: Anthony McFarland Misses Practice with Illness

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland (illness) was the only player to miss practice Thursday, as the team continues to prepare for their matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

While not listed as virus-related, McFarland’s absence does raise concern considering the Steelers currently have five players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, including tight end Vance McDonald, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, tackle Jerald Hawkins and inside linebacker Vince Williams.

McDonald was listed as having missed practice with an illness on Friday, but played in the Steelers’ win over the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday. He was confirmed to have tested positive for the virus Monday.

Slot cornerback Mike Hilton (shoulder) and defensive ends Tyson Alualu (knee) and Isaiah Buggs (ankle) were all limited Thursday.

Hilton was a full participant on Wednesday as he continues to work back from the shoulder injury he initially suffered Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns. He has missed the last three games, and been predominantly replaced by cornerback Cam Sutton in sub-packages.

Alualu was also limited on Wednesday. He he missed last week’s game in Dallas after originally injuring the knee in the Week 8 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Buggs did not practice yesterday. He injured the ankle against the Cowboys last weekend.

Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) returned to the practice field Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday.

Fullback Derek Watt (hamstring) has been full-go the last two days, and looks primed to make his long-awaited return versus Cincinnati this weekend.

Center Maurkice Pouncey, guard David DeCastro, left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, tight end Eric Ebron and defensive end Stephon Tuitt were all full participants Thursday following non-injury related absences on Wednesday.