Steelers Injury Report: Marcus Gilbert misses second day of practice with knee injury

While the Pittsburgh Steelers injury report was mostly positive on Thursday, it seems there is still one key name to worry about with just one day of practice remaining before the game against the Cleveland Browns.

Marcus Gilbert missed his second consecutive day of training with a knee injury and his status for Sunday is looking increasingly doubtful. If he cannot take part in practice on Friday, it should be expected that Matt Feiler would play in his place against Cleveland. After Maurkice Pouncey was the beneficiary of his customary veteran rest day on Wednesday, it was the turn of Ramon Foster to take his on Thursday.

Meanwhile, back-to-back days as full participants in training for Morgan Burnett and L.J. Fort was an encouraging sign that both could suit up in Week 8. For the safety who has barely been able to workout since Week 2, just being healthy enough to practice fully for two days in a row was a blessing, as he told Teresa Varley of Steelers.com.

“Two good days. That is always good. To get to through two consecutive practices, back-to-back, that felt good. That helped me out confidence wise. I am just ready to roll.”

There was more good news to be had with the return of Darrius Heyward-Bey and Xavier Grimble after they were both limited the day before. With Grimble seemingly recovering quickly from a suspected concussion, the reserve tight end has a good chance of playing this weekend. For Heyward-Bey, the bye-week could not have come at a better time, and if all goes well, he might not miss his third game of the season in Week 8 after all.

“It was huge. I was thinking about that. If I didn’t have the bye, I don’t know if I would be ready to go this week. I am still taking it day-by-day, but that bye was huge. Not playing is the worst. I hate not being a part of it. Two years ago I was out for six weeks, this is going to be three. A lot better than last time, but I hate it.”

By comparison, Cleveland’s injury report looked a little bit more extensive on Thursday, with current starting cornerback E.J. Gaines among the more notable names struggling to be ready in time to face the Steelers.