Steelers Injury Report: Antonio Brown nearing a return to practice?

After Wednesday's practice, the Pittsburgh Steelers had quite an injury report with names like Heyward, Shazier, Roethlisberger, Brown and Harrison all on the 'Did Not Practice' list. Thursday practices mean a little more for NFL teams, and more players returned to work after Thursday's work session.

Thurs Rept: ABrown (concussion), DWilliams (foot) didn't practice; Ben, Golden, VWilliams, WJohnson were limited; Shazier, Heyward were full

— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) January 14, 2016

The official report reads as follows: Antonio Brown (concussion) and DeAngelo Williams (foot) did not practice. Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder), Robert Golden (shoulder), Vince Williams (hamstring), Will Johnson (hamstring) were all limited participants while Ryan Shazier (knee) and Cameron Heyward (back) were full participants in practice.

Despite Brown missing practice, there was some good news for the wide receiver as he attempts to return to practice and be cleared from the NFL's new concussion protocol. Per a teammate, Brown was in team meetings, which is a sign of progressing through the different phases of the protocol. The next step for Brown is to start light workouts, limited practice and eventually be permitted to practice fully.

With only one official practice remaining, it would be key for Brown to at least be a limited participant in Friday's practice to show he is continuing his progression through the protocol. Still, a positive sign for the team's MVP.

Roethlisberger was a very light participant Thursday, and did not throw for the second straight day, but this shouldn't worry fans as the team's plan was for him to not throw until Friday to avoid any undue stress on the injured shoulder.

After Friday's practice the Steelers will release their official designations for the upcoming game on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.