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The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2015 season has been a who's who on the weekly injury report. Whether it was the preseason injuries of Shaun Suisham and Maurkice Pouncey, or the in-season injuries of Ryan Shazier, Ben Roethlisberger and now Le'Veon Bell.
It seems whenever the team gets one player off the injury report, another is added seemingly the next week. As Shazier returned to the roster before the Week 7 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Stephon Tuitt was lost with a knee sprain. It has been that kind of season for the Steelers, but it looks as if the team is finally starting to be getting healthy heading into the Week 9 game against the Oakland Raiders.
Matt Spaeth (knee) did not practice today again-- but he also did not practice Wed-Thur last week, yet played on Sun. Expect the same vs OAK
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) November 5, 2015
Will Allen and Stephon Tuitt being upgraded to full participation is practice is good news for the 2 def starters who've missed multiple gms
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) November 5, 2015
Both Stephon Tuitt (knee) and Will Allen (ankle) being upgraded to full participation is phenomenal news for the Steelers, and their fans. Although Robert Golden and a combination of Steve McLendon and Daniel McCullers filled in admirably in their place, the team will need their best players on the field in a very big game against the Raiders.
Matt Spaeth (knee) and Terence Garvin (out) were the only players who were held out of practice, while Markus Wheaton (ankle) was a limited participant Thursday. Martavis Bryant (illness) who was held out of practice Wednesday returned to the practice field. Joining Bryant were the crew of veteran players (James Harrison, Heath Miller and William Gay) who were given the day off Wednesday to help preserve their bodies throughout the 16-game schedule.
Mike Mitchell, who had to complete the NFL concussion protocol before returning to practice, was a full participant for the second straight day, which points to him being on the fast track to the playing field, possibly alongside Will Allen for the first time in several weeks.
Friday's practice will ultimately decide players' participation and availability this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EDT at Heinz Field. Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news surrounding the black and gold.