Steelers Injury Report: Tyson Alualu returns, Alex Highsmith misses practice

The Pittsburgh Steelers are continuing their preparation for Week 1 of the regualr season where they take on the Buffalo Bills this Sunday. In the second injury report of the week courtesy of the Steelers PR department, nose tackle Tyson Alualu and Kendrick Green returned to full participation at practice while outside linebacker Alex Highmith was unable to participate.

Steelers PR Department

Seeing Tyson Alualu on the injury report on Wednesday as not participating was concerning, but his return as a full participant on Thursday was the step the starting nose tackle needed.. With defensive end Stephon Tuitt currently on the Reserve/Injured List, having Alualu unavailable on Sunday would have been concerning. Unless he suffers a setback on Friday, Alualu is trending in the right direction to be good to go for Sunday.

Alex Highsmith was limited on Wednesday with a groin injury and, unfotunately, moved in the wrong direction as he missed Thursday’s practice. It is unclear whether or not Highsmith will be a full go on Sunday, but defensive coordinator Keith Butler was optimistic when he spoke to the press following practice. If Highsmith is not available, the full return of T.J. Watt will be even more important.

Another concerning development from Wednesday was the limited participation of rookie center Kendrick Green. Dealing with a thumb injury, Green did not mention his injury status when he spoke to the media following yesterday‘s practice. The good news is Green was back to being a full participant on Thursday.

As for the Bills’ injury report, you can see the names below courtesy of Steelers.com.

Buffalo Bills Participation/Injury Report, Week 1

Thursday, September 9 - Estimation, Bills did not practice

DT Star Lotulelei (Calf) - DNP

CB Taron Johnson (Hand) - Full

WR Emmanuel Sanders (Foot) - Limited

WR Isaiah McKenzie (Shoulder) - Full

DT Harrison Phillips (Knee) - Full

Check out BTSC’s Injury Report podcast from Thursday: