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The Pittsburgh Steelers are operating on a short week after their Monday night victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. As they prepare for another divisional game at Heinz Field, several players who missed Week 4 have a chance to come back against the Baltimore Ravens. According to the Steelers PR Department, eight players sat out the first practice on Wednesday.
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Vince Williams returned to practice Wednesday and was a full participant after missing the last two games. The Steelers go up against the Ravens potent rushing offense, so getting their best run-stopping linebacker healthy will be much welcomed addition.
As expected, Roosevelt Nix did not participate in practice on Wednesday as there has been no indication given as to when he will be able to return to action. Nix has been out since leaving the Steeler’s Week 1 game with a knee injury. Additionally, Anthony Chickillo was still unable to return from his foot injury after missing the last two games.
Vance McDonald missed Monday’s game with a shoulder injury and was unable to suit up on Wednesday. Nick Vannett filled in for McDonald in Week 4 and had a solid Steelers debut after being acquired via trade from the Seattle Seahawks last week.
New players to the injury report were James Conner (ankle), Cameron Heyward (quadriceps), and JuJu Smith-Schuster (toe). None of these players practiced in any capacity on Wednesday, so their participation moving forward will be key in playing on Sunday.
Maurkice Pouncey and Mark Barron both sat out of Wednesday’s practice as a coaches decision. While Pouncey has traditionally been given off Wednesdays, Barron’s normal day off had been Thursday until this week.
As for the Ravens injury report, it can be seen below courtesy of Steelers.com. Both CB Jimmy Smith and DT Brandon Williams were unable to practice due to knee injuries.
Baltimore Ravens Participation/Injury Report, Week 5
Wednesday, October 2
TE Mark Andrews (Foot) - DNP
CB Jimmy Smith (Knee) - DNP
S Earl Thomas (Not Injury Related) - DNP
DT Brandon Williams (Knee) - DNP
DB Brynden Trawick (Elbow) - Limited