Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is the newest addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers injury report, as he was limited in practice Thursday with an ankle injury.
Highsmith is tied for eighth in the NFL with 12 sacks.
Four starters did not practice for the third day in a row: free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (ankle), inside linebacker Myles Jack (groin), defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (toe) and slot corner Arthur Maulet (illness).
Jack aggravated his injury in the Steelers’ 16-13 win at Baltimore. It has lingered for the past month.
“I got some good sprints in today, worked on my change of direction,” Jack said. “Groin is just a tricky injury. It’s something you’ve got to wait on. It moves at its own speed. If it were up to me, I’d snap and I’d be good, but I’m definitely gunning to play in the game.”
Several starting players ramped up practice participation as the Steelers prepare the face the Cleveland Browns in the regular-season finale Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hip) was a full participant after sitting out Wednesday, safety Tre Norwood (hamstring) was limited and guard Kevin Dotson (shoulder) was a full participant. Norwood and Dotson did not practice Wednesday, either.
Running back Najee Harris returned to practice after being rested the previous day. Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward was given his customary day off in the middle of the work week.
Cornerback James Pierre remains in concussion protocol, although he practiced fully for the second day in a row. He sustained a head injury early in the Steelers’ win at Baltimore.
