Jason Worilds injury: Steelers OLB left Tuesday practice early with ice on thigh

Worilds finished early on Tuesday and left w/ thigh wrapped. Said he was cramping. No update but you hope it's not a quad.

— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) May 28, 2014

Part of the qualification phase of Steelers outside linebacker Jason Worilds earning a long-term deal was staying healthy. That goal is off to a pessimistic start before contact is even being made.

Steel City Insider publisher Jim Wexell reported Wednesday Worilds didn't finish practice - the second group session of the week - and left the field with ice wrapped around his left thigh. According to Wexell, Worilds said his leg was cramping, but any time in the next several months Worilds is associated with an injury, there will be a collective holding of breath.

Worilds has been limited by nagging injuries in the past, most notably a wrist injury that limited him in 2012. The Steelers placed the team's transition tag on Worilds, giving him a 1-year, $9.75 million fully guaranteed contract for the 2014 season. He had a breakout season last year - the last half of it anyway - and missed the team's final game with an abdominal injury.

Because of injuries, and fairly inconsistent play, Worilds' true market value is hard to determine. The team had little choice but to tag him to buy some time to work out details of an extension. BTSC's Simon Chester has opined there isn't a great chance Worilds receives an extension due to the team's salary cap position next season, as well as this one.