The Steelers took the field for the first time this week on Wednesday, with some in-game injuries from Sunday’s win over the Bengals hampering participation.
Running back Najee Harris was restricted against the Bengals after suffering a foot injury. Harris said “it’s good” in regards to the foot after practice and didn’t seem to hesitate.
“Football happened. Things happen,” Harris said. “I’m doing well.
“It’s part of the sport. It’s a minor injury. I’ve been injured a lot. It’s good.”
Coach Mike Tomlin said he wanted to see more of Harris this week before his status is finalized.
“Naj is really optimistic,” said Tomlin. “It’s good to be young. He seems to be in position but he needs practice and showing his readiness. That’s just my perspective. He’s a talented guy but he’s a young guy so I want to see some work from him. We will take him day by day and see where that takes us in terms of his attendance and the quality of attendance. As always, we will just do what is right for him and for us.”
Cornerback Levi Wallace was also restricted after injuring his ankle against the Bengals. Wallace also appeared upbeat after the workout.
“I’m fine,” Wallace said. “Sunday is still far away.
“Luckily I’m a bit young, not as young as I used to be, so my body recovers faster. I was in a bit of pain, couldn’t go back. God willing, I can go this week. A few days rest. Also today with the t-shirt and hat training definitely helped me. Another rest day. I’m looking forward to the challenge this week.”
Center Mason Cole was also limited with an ankle injury, and linebacker Robert Spillane was a full participant after suffering an eye injury on Sunday.
TJ Watt has not practiced as Tomlin has already ruled him out for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium.
Watt was injured late in the win over the Bengals and the time he is likely to miss has yet to be determined.
“I can definitely say TJ won’t be playing this week, but beyond that I won’t be making any commitments,” Coach Mike Tomlin said at his weekly press conference. “We are encouraged and will simply continue to look at the situation, seek opinions and do what is appropriate. We will do what is appropriate, as we always do, whether he or others from a health perspective.”
If Watt is out, work will fall to others on defense including Malik Reed and Jamir Jones.
“When you lose a guy like him, it’s not about the lads taking his position at left-back, it’s about how we collectively reallocate our responsibilities to get the collective outcome that we want,” Tomlin said . “These guys aren’t going to be TJ, it’s not realistic to think they’re going to be TJ, but we expect them to be varsity. We will formulate a plan to reallocate responsibilities to build on our strengths and minimize our weaknesses, as we always do every week.”
Reed, acquired through a trade with the Denver Broncos, is comfortable in any role thrown at him.
“I’m definitely ready,” Reed said. “I’m definitely ready for it and ready to embrace it. They just said be ready to expand your role. I knew that was one of my reasons for coming here, so I was ready for it.”