Steelers Injury Updates: Cole, Harris, Heyward, Wallace All Could Play Sunday

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has not been ruled out for the team’s Week 2 against the New England Patriots, head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday, but he will want to see the second-year running back perform in practice this week before giving him the green light to suit up on Sunday.

“Naj is really optimistic — it’s good to be young,” Tomlin said. “He appears to be in position (to play), but he’s going to have to practice and prove his readiness. That’s just my perspective. He’s a talented guy, but he’s a young guy, so I’m going to want to see some work for him. We’ll take him day by day and see where that leaves us in terms of his participation and the quality of that participation.

Harris suffered a left foot injury late in the Steelers’ Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Tomlin also clarified that the injury is not an aggravation of the Lisfranc sprain that Harris suffered during training camp, despite reports to the contrary.

“No, he did not,” Tomlin said, while adding that he couldn’t recalled whether the injury was to the same or a different foot. “We’re in an encouraging place, he’s going to participate. The level and quality of his participation is going to be our guide, so there’s probably not much to write about.”

Of course, Tomlin also minimized Harris’ injury in originally reporting it, saying that he simply had his foot stepped on before Harris himself clarified the nature of the injury. Jaylen Warren and Benny Snell Jr. would be expected to shoulder the load if Harris cannot play, with Anthony McFarland Jr. a candidate to be called up from the practice squad.

Tomlin said he expects center Mason Cole to be limited in practice this week after suffering an ankle injury on Sunday, but that it should not keep him from facing the Patriots. Cole returned to the game after being injured.

Three players that did not return: cornerback Levi Wallace (ankle), inside linebacker Rob Spillane (eye) and defensive linemen Cam Heyward and DeMarvin Leal (undisclosed) are expected to be able to participate and play this week.