Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and wide receiver Calvin Austin III were limited participants at Pittsburgh Steelers practice Wednesday, according to the injury report.
Austin was in NFL concussion protocol after he absorbed two hits during the first half of this past Sunday’s win at the Cincinnati Bengals. Highsmith did not play in that game, the third he has missed since suffering an ankle injury late during a Nov. 10 victory at the Washington Commanders.
“From Friday to now, it’s feeling so much better,” Highsmith said of his ankle while speaking after practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “So I’ve just got to keep taking steps in the right direction.
“It’s really a mental thing, too, at this point, just because I’ve got to trust it, especially being that (left) ankle, that’s the side I primarily … bend off of. I’ve got to have as much strength on my ankle as I can.
“I’ve just got to continue to get better throughout the week.”
IR guys listed as limited
A pair of players who remain on injured reserve but have been cleared to practice — defensive back Cory Trice and defensive lineman Montravius Adams — were regarded as limited practice participants Wednesday.
Trice must be activated by Thursday, or he cannot play the rest of this season. He has not played since Week 3 because of a hamstring injury.
Adams returned to practice last week, so the Steelers have more leeway in when he must be added to the 53-man roster. Teams have a 21-day window to do so for players after clearing them for practice off IR.
Adams has not played since an Oct. 20 win against the New York Jets because of a knee injury.
Resting bodies
Eight veteran players were given all (or part) of the day off for reasons of rest, per the injury report. While it is not uncommon for coach Mike Tomlin to keep some older players out of practice, eight in one day might be a record for recent years.
Outside linebacker T.J. Watt, at least, was a limited participant. But defensive linemen Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, running back Najee Harris, starting guard Isaac Seumalo, tight end MyCole Pruitt and receiver Mike Williams did not practice.
Williams, 30, joined the Steelers five weeks ago. He spent this past offseason recovering from a torn ACL in his knee.
