Steelers Injury Updates: DeCastro Misses 2nd Straight Practice, Johnson Limited

Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey was a full participant in practice on Thursday, while wide receiver Diontae Johnson was limited and guard David DeCastro did not practice as the trio attempt to return from injuries suffered in the Steelers’ Week 5 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Pouncey, who is dealing with a foot injury, is expected to be able to play this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday, and his full participation on Thursday should nearly cement that status.

Johnson’s back injury is more questionable, as his limited participation status does not give a full picture of how much the second-year back was able to work on Thursday.

DeCastro will almost certainly miss Sunday’s game if he is unable to work past his abdominal strain and put in a full practice day on Friday. If DeCastro can’t play, rookie guard Kevin Dotson is the most likely choice to fill in for him, though veteran backup Stefen Wisniewski (pectoral strain) is working his way back from the injured reserve list.

Tight end Eric Ebron (hand) and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), who missed practice on Wednesday, and linebacker T.J. Watt (shoulder), who was limited in the Steelers’ first prep session for the Browns game, were all full participants on Thursday.

Also returning to work Thursday were quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and defensive end Stephon Tuitt, who were given Wednesday off.

Fullback Derek Watt (hamstring) and linebacker/safety Marcus Allen (plantar fasciitis) continued their perfect attendance since missing the Eagles game.