For the first time since he suffered a reported torn pectoral muscle in week one, linebacker TJ Watt practiced with the Steelers yesterday. That opened a 21-day window in which the Steelers can activate him to the active roster. If they don’t, he will be lost for the season.
The 21-day window closed on rookie wide receiver Calvin Austin III yesterday, so the fourth round draft choice will miss the entire season with a foot injury suffered in training camp.
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon is returning from a groin injury and was a full practice participant. Limited practice participants included tight end Pat Freiermuth, with an ankle injury; and returner Steven Sims, with a hamstring.
Those on the sidelines yesterday were defensive linemen Larry Ogunjobi and Montravius Adams, and cornerback Josh Jackson.
Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett will be playing against the team he grew up rooting for when the Steelers travel to Philadelphia to play the Eagles on Sunday. With the continuing calls for the Steelers to throw more deep balls, Pickett says it’s not so simple as just chucking it downfield.
Pickett likes the potential of the Steelers’ passing game, saying it’s not about blaming someone when something goes wrong, but instead about picking each other up.
The Eagles yesterday traded for Bears defensive end Robert Quinn, who broke Chicago’s single-season sack record last year with 18-and-a-half. He has one sack through seven games this season. Philadelphia only had to give up a 4th round draft pick.
Steelers/Eagles kicks of Sunday at 1 on WDAD.
