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The Pittsburgh Steelers returned to the practice field at the UPMC Sports Complex on Monday after several days off due the bye week. Although there will be no official report on practice participation until Thursday, several players were reported to be practicing on Monday.
Mason Rudolph
This was not a very big surprise as route Rudolph practiced the week leading up to the Chargers game. It was also announced last week Rudolph had cleared concussion protocol and will be the starting quarterback moving forward. Regardless of the fact he didn’t miss a practice while dealing with his concussion, it was nice to see him back practicing with the team.
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph goes through drills during afternoon practice Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Pittsburgh. @PittsburghPG @PGVisuals @PGSportsNow pic.twitter.com/3zmzXhdNnF
— Peter Diana (@peterdianapghpg) October 21, 2019
Steven Nelson
I was surprised when Nelson was downgraded to out and did not make the trip with the Steelers to Los Angeles last week, but apparently his groin injury needed some time to heal. Hopefully the bye week fell at the perfect time for him to get back out on the field as one of the most pleasant surprises of the Steelers 2019 secondary.
First day back feeling good in the Neighborhood.
— Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) October 21, 2019
James Washington
It was unclear if Washington would still need a few weeks for his injured shoulder which occurred three plays after Rudolph was knocked out against the Baltimore Ravens. It is also unclear how much he was able to participate in practice or how his progression will go throughout the week. But getting on the field at all for Washington is a welcome sight which means he has a chance to be ready for Monday night.
Bye week came at a good time for the Steelers. WR James Washington (shoulder) and CB Steve Nelson (groin) we’re back at practice today. Both said they were glad for the bye to heal up and rehab.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 21, 2019
Roosevelt Nix
This one has been something Steelers’ fans had been looking for weeks ago. The return of Roosevelt Nix to the practice field is a very good sign in his recovery from his knee injury. Nix exited the Steelers first game of the season and has not been able to practice in any form since Week 1.
Steelers fullback Roosevelt Nix said he was glad to be back at practice today. "Being around the guys now, I’m just hopeful to help and put my hand in the pile to turn this thing around."
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) October 21, 2019
Nix has been out with a knee injury since the season opener.
The other two players who missed the Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Chargers were running back Jaylen Samuels and inside linebacker Mark Barron. While Samuels is expected to miss another week or so due to his surgery, it is unclear the status of Barron for this week. There was no report available yet as to whether or not Barron participated and any activities on Monday.
As for the players who were unable to finish the game in Los Angeles, James Conner was available at practice on Monday. As for Joe Haden and T.J. Watt, there were no reports on their participation as of Monday afternoon.
When it comes to the overall status of these players, there may be an update given in head coach Mike Tomlin‘s press conference on Tuesday. If not, we will just have to wait until Thursday for the first injury report.