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Steelers injury report: DeCastro misses second practice of the week

Emerging Steelers right guard misses his second straight day of practice with an ankle injury, casting doubt over whether he'll be able to play Sunday against the Patriots.

By Neal Coolong
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport

Odds are longer for the presence of Steelers right guard David DeCastro when Pittsburgh takes on New England in Week 9.

DeCastro injured his ankle in the Steelers' 21-18 loss to Oakland, and hasn't practiced yet this week. He'd be near the top of a short list of players the Steelers would want to play above all else in this game, and the impact of him not playing would be detrimental, not just because of his back-up (either Guy Whimper, who was injured in the Raiders game himself, or Cody Wallace, neither of whom fared well in the loss), but because of the level of play he brings.

DeCastro has emerged as one of the best interior linemen in the NFL, just 11 games into his career. He missed all but three games of the 2012 season with a knee injury he suffered in the preseason.

Cornerback Curtis Brown missed his second day of practice as well. The team has stated Brown is out due to personal reasons.

Rookie wide receiver Markus Wheaton practiced on a limited basis for the first time since before the Steelers' Week 4 game in London against Minnesota. He still has a chance of suiting up Sunday.

Ramon Foster, the third of the three offensive linemen injured against the Raiders, was a full participant in practice Thursday. Whimper is on the injury report, but has practiced fully Wednesday and Thursday. Nose tackle Steve McLendon had an illness and missed practice Wednesday, but was back in a full capacity Thursday.

The Patriots and Steelers kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday.

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