Starting tight end Darnell Washington and run-stuffing inside linebacker Malik Harrison appear to be progressing through NFL concussion protocol for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Each took part in practice Thursday — albeit in a limited capacity — after suffering head injuries during Sunday’s win at the Baltimore Ravens.
A third player who entered concussion protocol that day, however, was not cleared to practice Thursday: Andrus Peat, who started the past two games at left tackle. If Peat cannot play in Monday’s game at the Miami Dolphins, fourth-string Dylan Cook would make his first NFL start after he made his debut during the fourth quarter in Baltimore.
No Pierre, Skowronek
According to the league-mandated injury report, joining Peat, Derrick Harmon (knee) and T.J. Watt (lung) as not practicing Thursday were receiver Ben Skowronek (hand) and cornerback James Pierre (calf). Each of the latter two is believed to be on track to play Sunday.
Dugger fully practices
Starting safety Kyle Dugger appears on his way to returning to the gameday lineup after missing the game in Baltimore because of a hand injury. Dugger was a full participant at practice Thursday.
The same could be said for receiver DK Metcalf and inside linebacker Patrick Queen. Metcalf had a stomach ailment that prevented him from flying home with the team Sunday, and Queen played through a hip injury throughout the Ravens game.
Also listed as full practice participants Friday with what are believed to be lesser ailments were defensive linemen Yahya Black (shoulder) and Keeanu Benton (ankle) and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has played the past two games despite a fracture in his left (non-throwing) wrist.
