The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, with several starters returning to practice. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is tracking to start after missing one game due to a wrist injury, while edge rusher Alex Highsmith is full after missing two games with a pectoral issue. The Bills, meanwhile, remain without starting offensive tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers look to rebound from recent losses, their Thursday injury report shows a healthier roster ahead of Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET clash with the Buffalo Bills. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who sat out last week's game against the Chicago Bears with a fractured left wrist, practiced fully after missing Wednesday's session. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Rodgers is 'tracking' to start, with coach Mike Tomlin expressing confidence in his return. Rodgers noted the extra week aided his healing, though under-center exchanges remain a focus.
Edge rusher Alex Highsmith, sidelined for two games with a pectoral injury, also participated fully, joining T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward in practice. Watt and Heyward were rested, while offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo rested as well. Tight end Jonnu Smith rested, and wide receiver DK Metcalf (ankle) was full after an in-game injury last week.
Limited participants included cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hip), who left the Bears game early. Those who did not practice: wide receiver Ben Skowronek (shoulder), offensive tackle Broderick Jones (neck), and defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (knee). If Porter Jr. is limited, veteran cornerback Darius Slay could see more snaps, though coach Tomlin said decisions on playing time will come closer to game day.
On the Bills' side, their Thursday report lists starting offensive tackles Dion Dawkins (concussion) and Spencer Brown (shoulder) as did not participate, potentially exposing quarterback Josh Allen to Pittsburgh's pass rush led by Watt and Highsmith. Tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) was limited after missing Wednesday, while Allen practiced fully despite recent bruising.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin addressed scheme adjustments, noting the need to coach better against Cover 3 weaknesses like four verticals, as seen in the Bears loss. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith emphasized creating explosive plays in various ways, despite the team's 30th ranking in plays of 20+ yards.
The Steelers, with a record payroll on defense, aim to improve execution against a Bills team ranked first against the pass.
