Steelers Injury Updates: Fitzpatrick, Six Others Return to Practice

Five days after undergoing an appendectomy, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was a full participant for Thursday’s practice session, one of six players to return after sitting out Wednesday’s practice with injury or illness.

Along with the two-time first-team All-Pro, who happened to be celebrating his 26th birthday, inside linebacker Devin Bush (knee), inside linebacker Marcus Allen (illness) and offensive tackle Trent Scott (back) were also back to full participation after missing Wednesday’s practice session.

Despite the recency of his surgical procedure, head coach Mike Tomlin did not rule out Fitzpatrick from playing when he spoke on Tuesday and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said Thursday that Fitzpatrick will play if he is cleared by doctors to do so. Watch: Fitzpatrick at practice.

Offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (hip) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (knee) were limited in practice after missing Wednesday’s session. Both players were able to finish the Steelers’ Week 10 game against the New Orleans Saints. Ogunjobi had been dealing with his knee injury before that game, while Dotson was injured in the contest.

Running back Najee Harris, who head coach Mike Tomlin said is dealing with knee discomfort, was a full participant for the second straight day and it seems very likely that he will be able to play without issue Sunday against Cincinnati.

Backup guard and tackle Jesse Davis was the lone new addition to the Thursday practice report. He missed the session with a knee injury. Davis would be next in line to start at left guard if Dotson cannot. If neither of them can play, Kendrick Green would get the call.

Cornerback Ahekllo Witherspoon did not practice again with him hamstring injury and it appears unlikely that he will return to the lineup this week. Witherspoon injured his hamstring in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns and returned to the lineup in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles, but has not been back on the practice field since.

Outside linebacker T.J. Watt and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward were both given a rest day on Thursday.

RELATED: Study: Steelers Below NFL Average in Impact of Injured Players