Steelers Injury Updates: Diontae Johnson, Mason Cole Added to Report; 2 Return to Action

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers added two players to their injury report on Thursday, but had two more return to practice after missing Wednesday’s session.

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson and center Mason Cole were the new additions to the injury report, Johnson with a hip injury and Cole with a foot injury. Both were limited in practice on Thursday.

Strong safety Terrell Edmunds (concussion) and free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) both saw their status improved. They were limited in practice on Thursday after missing Wednesday’s session.

Cornerback Cam Sutton (groin/hamstring), cornerback Levi Wallace (foot), defensive lineman Cam Heyward (ankle/elbow) and defensive lineman Chris Wormley (ankle) all remained limited in practice.

Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring) did not practice for the fifth consecutive session and remains on track to be out this week. Sutton and Wallace replaced Witherspoon at outside cornerback against the New York Jets last week. If none of those players are able to play, James Pierre and practice squad call-up Josh Jackson would be next in line for the Steelers at outside cornerback.

Edmunds returning to practice is significant for his status for this Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills, though the toughest test for players returning from concussions is frequently the day after their first strenuous activity. 

Fitzpatrick appears to be on track to be able to play on Sunday. Tre Norwood will fill in if one safety can’t play. Miles Killebrew is the next option in line if both are out.

Buffalo had six players miss practice on Thursday: cornerback Christian Benford (hand), wide receiver Jamison Crowder (ankle), middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (hamstring), tight end Dawson Knox (foot/hamstring), wide receiver Jake Kumerow (ankle) and safety Jordan Poyer (ribs).

Four Bills were limited: wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (concussion), offensive lineman Justin Murry (foot), defensive tackle Ed Oliver (ankle) and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (hamstring).