Aside from “W,” it might be the prettiest letters in the NFL to a coach of a team late in its season.
FP.
“FP,” as in “full participant” at practice on the injury report. And for the Pittsburgh Steelers, everybody on the 53-man active roster dealing with any degree of injury was given the coveted “FP” designation Thursday.
Of most consequence among that group were outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and receiver Calvin Austin III. Highsmith has missed the past three games because of an ankle injury, and Austin left this past Sunday’s win in Cincinnati before halftime because of concussion protocol. That each practiced fully Thursday is a positive development for the Steelers headed into Sunday’s home game against the Cleveland Browns.
Also practicing fully was defensive back Cory Trice — who came off of injured reserve Thursday — and defensive lineman Montravius Adams, who remains on IR. Adams has missed five games because of a knee injury, and Trice has missed nine games because of a hamstring ailment.
Seven of the eight veteran players whom coach Mike Tomlin held out of practice time Wednesday returned to practice. The lone exception was 35-year-old Cameron Heyward, who was afforded another day of rest.
