Steelers injury report: David DeCastro, Markus Wheaton miss Wednesday practice

The good news early this week is Steelers guard David DeCastro was not confirmed to have a significant ankle injury - he underwent an MRI upon the team's return to Pittsburgh after a loss at Oakland in Week 8.

His status for the Steelers' Week 9 game against New England is still up in the air though. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said DeCastro may be limited in the early part of the week, and true to that, DeCastro missed practice Wednesday. Left guard Ramon Foster was limited with a concussion, but he is expected to play against the Patriots.

Rookie wide receiver Markus Wheaton missed practice as well. He is recovering from a surgical procedure on his pinkie, stemming from a break of that finger suffered in Week 4 against Minnesota. He hasn't played since then.

Cornerback Curtis Brown missed practice for a non-injury related issue.

There weren't any major concerns outside of that - Steve McLendon sat out with an illness and veterans Heath Miller and Ben Roethlisberger were limited for non-injury reasons. Linebacker Lawrence Timmons (hand) and guard Guy Whimper (knee) both practiced fully.

The Steelers head to Foxborough, Mass., Sunday in Week 9 to take on the 6-2 Patriots.

More from Behind the Steel Curtain:

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• Steelers vs. Patriots: Bill Belichick suggests alternative method to preparing for Ben Roethlisberger
• Roethlisberger wants to see Brown make big plays if he's going to complain
• Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders among lowest drop rate receivers in NFL
• Steelers Film Room: Plenty of blame to go around in Week 8 loss to Raiders
• 5 Burning Questions on the 2-5 Pittsburgh Steelers

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