Alex Highsmith already has been characterized by coach Mike Tomlin as “out” for Sunday’s Pittsburgh Steelers game at the Las Vegas Raiders. The outside linebacker, however, returned to practice Thursday.
Out the past two games because of a groin injury, Highsmith took to the practice field for the first time since suffering his injury during a Sept. 22 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. It remains expected Highsmith will miss Sunday’s game in Las Vegas, but that Highsmith was deemed a limited participant Thursday’s injury report can be interpreted as positive news for a depleted Steelers outside linebackers corps that is without Nick Herbig (hamstring) and converted defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (neck) against the Raiders.
Aside from Highsmith, the only other injury-related change in status Thursday was that starting tight end Pat Freiermuth was added to the report because of a calf injury that limited his participation at practice.
Safety Damontae Kazee again sat out practice, lessening the chances he will play Sunday despite Tomlin on Tuesday deeming him merely “doubtful” and not “out.” The other two players given the “doubtful” designation by Tomlin were limited practice participants for a second day in a row: running back Jaylen Warren (knee) and tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee).
Tomlin already has said running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) would not play in Las Vegas.
A host of veterans who were given time off from practice Wednesday were back at it Thursday, with the notable exception of Cameron Heyward, who again sat out. Fellow veteran defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi was limited for a reason given as rest.
Quarterback Russell Wilson practiced fully for a second consecutive day.
