The Steelers have gotten plenty used to filling in for injuries. The lack of a high-level pass-rusher against the pass-heavy New York Giants, though, may be the most challenging fill-in yet.
Outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley missed his second straight practice Thursday, casting a bleaker picture of his ability to play in Week 9 at the New York Giants. Facing one of the better passing teams in the NFL without Woodley may lead to problems, but the Steelers have seen games without Woodley nearly as often as ones with him over the team's last 16 games, and could be limiting him in practice to prevent further damage.
Inside linebacker Stevenson Sylvester also missed practice for his second straight day. Sylvester, mainly a special teams contributor, missed the first three games this season with a knee injury.
The running back group continues it's one up and one down 2012 season, as Jonathan Dwyer and Rashard Mendenhall both practiced on a limited basis, but Baron Batch missed his second straight day. Isaac Redman missed the last two games, but he has practiced fully both Wednesday and Thursday.