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The Steelers have been stricken by numerous injuries so far this year, many of which have resulted in big disruptions. On Wednesday, the Steelers released their latest injury report ahead of the Week 9 game against the Oakland Raiders at Heinz Field, and there were some players previously out of the lineup who returned in some shape or form.
Wheaton (ankle), Spaeth (knee), M. Bryant (illness) and Garvin (knee) DNP. Tuitt and Will Allen were limited. Mitchell and Vick full.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) November 4, 2015
The key names on the report were the return of Stephon Tuitt (knee) and Will Allen (ankle). Despite being limited in practice, it is a good sign of an eventual return, if not this Sunday. Their participation for the rest of the week's practices will likely gauge their availability vs. Oakland.
Markus Wheaton (ankle), Matt Spaeth (knee) and Martavis Braynt (illness) were new to joining Terence Garvin (knee) as those who missed practice. Garvin has already been ruled out of the game this Sunday, but the others listed were all new to the injury report. Mike Tomlin gave several veteran players the day off as well, including James Harrison, William Gay and Heath Miller.
Other injuries of note were Mike Vick and Mike Mitchell practicing fully. Mitchell is especially important as he had to clear NFL concussion protocol before stepping foot on the field. He obviously cleared the proverbial hurdles to ensure he can play without threat of re-injury.
Mike Vick's return might not get much ink with Ben Roethlisberger back in the lineup, but Vick's presence is what likely lead to Tyler Murphy's dismissal from the 53-man roster. The team promoted Doran Grant from the practice squad, and will like re-sign Murphy to the 10-man practice squad if he clears waivers. Grant will be able to help in a very thin secondary, can play safety if necessary and will be a special teams player if given a helmet on game day.
Stay tuned to BTSC for any news about the black and gold leading up to the big AFC showdown this Sunday at Heinz Field.