Steelers Injury Updates: Kenny Pickett Practiced in Full; Secondary Getting Healthy

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting healthier, as nine injured players were full participants in practice on Thursday.

Quarterback Kenny Pickett was a full participant for the second straight day as he returns from a concussion suffered last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Just days after the injury, Pickett appears to be poised to start for the team on Sunday night, and just has one more hurdle to clear in Friday’s practice in order to be cleared to play.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth and cornerback Levi Wallace were also full participants for the second day as they return from concussions suffered in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills.

Getting healthier on Thursday were cornerback Cam Sutton (hamstring), cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring), free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee), inside linebacker Myles Jack (ankle), center Mason Cole (ankle/foot), right guard James Daniels (ankle), defensive lineman Chris Wormley (ankle) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (knee) were all full participants in practice.

The only players that did not practice on Thursday were wide receiver and kick returner Steven Sims, who has a hamstring injury, and defensive tackle Cam Heyward, who was given the day off.

If Sims can’t dress on Sunday, Gunner Olszewski would likely replace him as the team’s backup slot receiver, kick and punt returner.

Cornerback James Pierre was limited by a hip injury, the only new addition to the injury report on Thursday.

If Thursday’s strong results continue, the Steelers could be looking at a nearly fully healthy squad for Sunday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins.