Steelers Injury Updates: Dotson, Sutton Missed Practice; Okorafor Returned

Guard Kevin Dotson, cornerback Cam Sutton and nose tackle Carlos Davis all missed practice on Wednesday as the Pittsburgh Steelers began their preparations to face the Denver Broncos.

Dotson, who is dealing with a hip flexor injury, and Sutton, who has a groin issue, were both injured in the Steelers’ Week 4 loss against the Green Bay Packers.

Veteran backup B.J. Finney replaced Dotson against the Packers and will be expected to do so again if he is unable to play against the Broncos.

Sutton’s situation is more complicated, as he has been playing both outside and slot cornerback for the Steelers. James Pierre is in line to take a Sutton’s reps on the outside, while Arthur Maulet and Tre Norwood could play greater roles in the slot if Sutton is unable to go on Sunday.

Davis has missed three straight games with a knee injury. With starter Tyson Alualu on injured reserve with an ankle injury, the Steelers are down to their third option at nose tackle in Isaiah Buggs.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger also did not practice on Wednesday as he deals with a bruised hip. Rothlisberger does not typically practice on Wednesdays.

Five players were limited in practice: wide receivers Chase Claypool and JuJu Smith-Schuster, guard Trai Turner, defensive lineman Cam Heyward and guard Rashad Coward.

Claypool and Coward both returned to practice after missing Sunday’s game in Green Bay with injuries suffered in practice the previous week. Claypool is recovering from a hamstring injury, while Coward has been limited by his ankle.

Smith-Schuster was limited by the rib injury that he suffered in Week 3 against Cincinnati. He was able to play through the injury against the Packers.

Turner, who is dealing with an illness, and Heyward, who has a neck ailment, were both new additions to the team’s injury list.

Tackle Chukwuma Okorafor was a full participant in practice. He has been in the NFL concussion protocol since leaving the Bengals game on Sept. 27.