Steelers Injury Report: Ryan Shazier returns to practice, a good sign of a potential return Sunday

In Week 1, Ryan Shazier was a difference maker on the field. His interception, 6 tackles and 2 passes defended were overshadowed only by his availability for the Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a knee injury. The Pittsburgh Steelers former first round pick was confident he would play on Sunday, but after missing practice Wednesday, nothing was certain.

Although not a lock to play this week, Shazier took a step in the right direction Thursday by returning to the practice field, albeit in a limited capacity. Shazier's return wasn't the only positive news for the Steelers, as Markus Wheaton continued to look like he will be the team's No. 2 receiver on Sunday as he practiced fully for the second time this week. Barring a setback, Wheaton looks to be ready to go for the team's first AFC North competition.

Speaking of setbacks, Cody Wallace, who returned to practice, might have returned a bit too early, as he missed practice Thursday all together. Take a look at the complete injury report after Thursday's workout:

Steelers

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
CB Senquez Golson (Foot)
FB Roosevelt Nix (Back)
C/G Cody Wallace (Knee)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
LB Ryan Shazier (Knee)

FULL PARTICIPATION
WR Markus Wheaton (Shoulder)

While the Steelers will be without Le'Veon Bell, the Bengals will be without one of their best playmakers in Tyler Eifert. The Pro Bowl tight end continues to nurse an ankle injury, suffered in the Pro Bowl. Check out the complete injury report for the Bengals after Thursday's practice:

Bengals

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
TE Tyler Eifert (Ankle)
DT Pat Sims (Ankle)
WR James Wright (Knee)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DE Carlos Dunlap (Shoulder/Toe)

FULL PARTICIPATION
CB Darqueze Dennard (Ankle)
CB Adam Jones (Back)