The Pittsburgh Steelers official practice report for Thursday made slightly better reading than the one they released on Wednesday, but there are still some key names sidelined by injury with just one full day of practice remaining before they take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.
Thursday -
— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) September 13, 2018
FULL: Vance McDonald, Cam Heyward
LIM: Tyson Alualu
DNP: Joe Haden, David DeCastro, and Ben Roethlisberger
After telling reporters his elbow was fine only a day earlier, Ben Roethlisberger was held out of training for a second consecutive day and his status for Sunday must now be considered questionable. Big Ben was not the only starter sitting out once again either, with David DeCastro and Joe Haden both forced to miss another practice session due to injury as well.
If they cannot practice on Friday, it is unlikely that any of these three names will play against the Chiefs and the final injury report of the week will be especially significant. While Roethlisberger seems to have the best chance of playing of this group, there does not appear to be an overwhelming sense of confidence that he will.
Ben Roethlisberger said he didn't practice today with his sore elbow, is unsure if he'll practice tomorrow, or even play Sunday, but didn't rule it out.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) September 13, 2018
Ben Roethlisberger (elbow) has missed two straight practices. Hopeful for Friday’s practice? “We’ll see how I feel tomorrow,” he said. OC Randy Fichtner said he’d like to think Josh Dobbs is ready to play if needed.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 13, 2018
Ben Roethlisberger missed his second-straight practice & wore a compression sleeve on the injured right elbow. Josh Dobbs would be the starter if Ben cant go vs the Chiefs on Sunday. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/Zo1mGhUmuw
— Chase Williams WPXI (@chasepwilliams) September 13, 2018
Josh Dobbs would start in place of Roethlisberger if he cannot go, while Cameron Sutton would replace Joe Haden and B.J. Finney would cover for David DeCastro.
There was some good news with the return of Cam Heyward as a full participant in training after being sidelined on Wednesday. Tyson Alualu’s involvement as a limited participant is at least encouraging given he was unable to train the day before too. Back-to-back days of full practice for Vance McDonald is something of a miracle given how limited he has been for the last month or so and the tight end is optimistic he might play against the Chiefs.
Vance McDonald is on track to see his first action of the 2018 season on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/rPyjj2pE5N
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 13, 2018
Eric Berry and Ben Niemann missed another day of practice for Kansas City and they look to be the only players in any real danger of missing the game for the Chiefs this week.
#Chiefs Thursday injuries
— Arrowhead Pride (@ArrowheadPride) September 13, 2018
S Eric Berry (heel) - did not practice
LB Ben Niemann (hamstring) - did not practice
CB Kendall Fuller (thumb) - full
DT Justin Hamilton (ankle) - full
LB Reggie Ragland (knee) - full
RB Darrel Williams (shoulder) - full
OL Kahlil McKenzie (sick) - LTD