Practice report for @Steelers: Troy, Ike limited; Beachum, Spaeth, VWilliams full participation
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) December 24, 2014
Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor probably wants a shot at redemption when the Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday. Taylor was burned a few times in what was a career game for Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green. Taylor removed himself from the game due to injuries in the fourth quarter.
Taylor hasn't played since.
Nursing a shoulder injury along with the continued healing of a forearm he broke in Week 3, Taylor's status for the Steelers' game against Cincinnati is still up in the air. Judging by how both of the Steelers' last two opponents looked to out-muscle the Steelers' small secondary with shorter passes designed to get blockers in front of them, Taylor's presence was missed in a defensive approach that could use a bigger, stronger solid-tackling cornerback.
He was limited in the team's Wednesday practice session, as was strong safety Troy Polamalu, both of whom missed the team's win over Kansas City in Week 16.
Tight end Matt Spaeth also missed that game, but he returned fully on Wednesday. Left tackle Kelvin Beachum and linebacker Vince Williams were both banged up in the win but were full participants Wednesday.
The Steelers and Bengals kick off at 8:30 p.m. from Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have Christmas Day off and will return to practice Friday.