:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61572611/1039700742.jpg.0.jpg)
The Pittsburgh Steelers injury report was something of a mixed bag on Thursday after three players were limited in training and two key starters along the offensive line were able to practice fully for consecutive days for the first time in weeks.
JuJu Smith-Schuster (abdomen), Mike Hilton (elbow) and Morgan Burnett (groin) were all limited in practice today. Maurkice Pouncey had a vet's day off. DeCastro and Gilbert both full participants for the second day in a row.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) September 27, 2018
If David DeCastro and Marcus Gilbert can complete a full training session on Friday, their chances of playing on Sunday night look promising. When speaking to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com, DeCastro sounded cautiously optimistic about facing the Baltimore Ravens.
“It’s been tough not being out there. It’s tough. I will try again this week. It’s feeling a lot better, so that’s positive. I am feeling really good. I think I am turning the corner. The strength is coming back. I am going to try it out this week and see.”
Unfortunately for Morgan Burnett, his progress looks less encouraging. After practicing fully on Wednesday, he was downgraded to limited on Thursday and his status is clearly in doubt for Week 4.
“I am getting better. Day-by-day, taking it a day at a time. Following protocol. That is all I can control. It felt good to keep progressing and be more involved with football.”
While nothing has been said about the health of JuJu Smith-Schuster beyond his inclusion on the report with an abdomen injury, his return to practice in as a limited participant was at least positive. As surprising as it was to note that Mike Hilton was also back at practice, albeit in a partial capacity, it seems unlikely he will play on Sunday.
“I am all right. A little soreness. I was in a sling yesterday. I feel all right. I still have a couple of days. I am going to be doing all I can treatment wise to get back out there Sunday.”
As with Ben Roethlisberger and Ramon Foster the day before, it was the turn of Maurkice Pouncey to receive a veteran rest day on Thursday.
For the Ravens, linebacker Terrell Suggs is their most significant player struggling with an injury after he missed his second day of practice.
For Ravens, CB Anthony Averett (hamstring), DT Willie Henry (ab) & LB Terrell Suggs (knee) did not practice. TE Hayden Hurst (foot) was limited. Returning: John Brown, Brandon Carr, Lamar Jackson, Anthony Levine, CJ Mosley, Michael Pierce, Ronnie Stanley & Eric Weddle.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) September 27, 2018