Steelers Injury Updates: Extra Practice Bonus for Joe Haden, Who Was Limited Wednesday

Steelers cornerback Joe Haden was limited in practice on Wednesday, which would usually lead to a questionable designation or worse for a game scheduled to be played the next day.

But with the team’s game against the Baltimore Ravens pushed back to Sunday by the NFL, Haden will have some more time to get himself game ready.

Haden injured his right during the Steelers win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, but eventually returned to the game. Head coach Mike Tomlin classified his injury among those with “bumps and bruises” but acknowledged that the short week could cause issues for Haden and other players in his situation.

Now with three extra days to prepare, Haden’s outlook for this week’s game seems a lot rosier. If he’s unable to play, second-year backup Justin Layne would be the most likely candidate to replace him.

Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who was also injured against the Jaguars, was a full participant in practice on Wednesday after being limited by his foot issue on Tuesday. 

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (quad) and defensive lineman Cam Heyward (ankle) were also each elevated to full practice status.

Still out for the Steelers are running backs Trey Edmunds (hamstring) and Jaylen Samuels (quadricep), who missed practice for the second straight day. They remain doubtful for Sunday’s game, though the extra time will give them an additional chance to return to practice.