Facing a short week of preparation after playing Monday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers had their first bona fide practice Thursday, and the session didn’t include quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Chase Claypool.
Roethlisberger did not participate because of a shoulder injury that cropped up on the injury report last week. Claypool did not practice because of a toe injury he sustained in the second half of the Steelers’ 29-27 victory against the Chicago Bears.
Roethlisberger typically does limited work on the first day of practice each week. He was limited Thursday and Friday last week but practiced Saturday and started against Chicago.
The Steelers have one more practice before playing the 0-8 Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon at Heinz Field. Claypool’s inactivity is an indication he won’t play in the game.
Another key skill position player was added to the injury report. Running back Najee Harris was a limited participant because of a foot injury. Another offensive starter, rookie center Kendrick Green, was limited because of a hamstring injury.
Neither Harris nor Green was listed on the injury report Wednesday.
Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and inside linebacker Robert Spillane were limited with ankle injuries. They each were listed as full participants Wednesday.
One player who is progressing is tight end Eric Ebron, who was a full participant for the first time since missing two games with a hamstring injury. Defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs practiced fully for the second day in a row despite having a hip injury.
