Steelers Injury Updates: Heyward Near Return, DBs Banged up

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers released their practice participation report for Tuesday. The team did not go through a full practice but rather a walk-through with another practice scheduled for Wednesday.

Quarterback Kenny Pickett was listed as a limited participant with his ribs banged up. Mike Tomlin said that the ‘door is ajar’ for Pickett to suit up this week, but he will need to see enough from the quarterback to play him on Thursday. Pickett told the media he would ‘for sure’ play.

“Certainly, I’m going to want to see something, absolutely,” Tomlin said. “He’s a young guy. Position withstanding, he is a young guy, so I need to see some physical preparation in order to consider him certainly.”

Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was ruled out this week and did not practice. However, Damontae Kazee, who was dealing with a hand injury, logged a full practice, and it seems like he will play. Pittsburgh should have their entire group of safeties besides their leader, Fitzpatrick

Cornerback Levi Wallace, who Tomlin said ‘we’ll see’, in regards to a potential return from his foot injury, remained limited. He did not log a full practice all last week. Both Anthony McFarland (knee) and Cam Heyward (groin) were full participants, too. Tomlin opened the door for both players to return. Heyward could be a huge add for the team.

There is minimal time for the team to get healthy, with a Thursday Night Football game against the Tennessee Titans on the docket for Week 9.