The Steelers began their preparation for Monday night's Wild Card game against the Houston Texans, practicing at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
The Steelers start the week a healthy group, with no major injuries coming out of last week's win over the Baltimore Ravens.
"In-game, we got some bumps and bruises associated with play that may limit some people at the early portions of week," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "Thankfully we came out of it relatively well."
One player who did miss practice on Thursday was running back Jaylen Warren, who is dealing with an illness.
Players who returned to the field last week, including linebacker T.J. Watt and receiver Calvin Austin III, among others, came out of the game without any issues.
"Everyone that returned to action last week from T.J. to Isaac Seumalo to Calvin Austin, James Pierre, Brandin Echols all were able to participate without any steps backwards," said Tomlin. "So, thankful for that.
"Relatively healthy group as we lean in on a single elimination tournament."
While he didn't miss the last two games because of an injury, the Steelers will get one of their key offensive weapons back on Monday night with the return of receiver DK Metcalf after he missed the last two games due to his suspension.
"Certainly, awesome to have DK back," said Tomlin. "We're not going to exhale and think that DK automatically with his presence is going to be a difference or the difference.
"Football is the ultimate team game. It's going to require great effort from all parties involved, but certainly excited about doing it with him.
"I know that he's happy to be back. He's happy to be in this tournament. He's ready to go to work."
In Metcalf's absence, Tomlin did see others step up and take advantages of opportunities, which will help the team moving forward.
"I think sometimes when you're lacking significant players it's opportunities for others to show what they're capable of and to accelerate growth and development and cohesion in other areas," said Tomlin. "Adam Thielen for example is a new acquisition for us and he made some significant plays for us in recent weeks, and that cohesion has probably been accelerated.
"Scotty Miller is a guy that's always ready to make plays for us. He is not always given an opportunity, but certainly in the two years he's been here he's been a credible play maker when called upon. He's displayed some of that in some significant moments over the last several weeks as well.
"Our running backs have been a major component of our pass game in recent weeks. Maybe not down the field, but their ability to turn short into longer has bridged a gap for us in a lot of ways.
"I think we lead the league in yards after catch as a collective for the season. I think the running backs are central to that.
"And I think we all grow as strategists. I think as a collective, a coaching staff, when you're faced with adversity, it's important that you pivot.
"There is an expiration date on adjustments and certainly we had to make some adjustments. We felt the effects of it in Cleveland. It was reasonable to expect us all to be better. The players themselves, us as strategists, and I think we displayed that.
"So hopefully, returning him to the fold we get the benefits of all the things that I've just discussed. Our adaptability, the growth of individuals, the growth of continuity in new individuals, and you couple that with his presence, hopefully we are all continually collectively better. I know it's going to be required."
The full injury and practice report is below.
Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Wild Card Week
Thursday, January 8
No. 8 QB Aaron Rodgers (Left Wrist) - Full
No. 15 WR Ben Skowronek (Hand) - Full
No. 30 RB Jaylen Warren (Illness) - DNP
No. 46 LS Christian Kuntz (Knee) - Full
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt (Lung) - Full
No. 97 DT Cameron Heyward (NIR - Rest) - Limited
Houston Texans Participation/Injury Report, Wild Card Week
Thursday, January 8
No. 4 CB Kamari Lassiter (Ankle/Knee) - DNP
No. 23 S Jaylen Reed * (Forearm) - Limited
No. 24 CB Derek Stingly Jr. (Oblique) - Limited
No. 26 RB Jawhar Jordan (Ankle) - DNP
No. 34 CB Ajani Carter * (Hamstring) - Full
No. 40 LS Austin Brinkman (Knee) - Full
No. 56 LB Jamal Hill (Calf) - Limited
No. 71 T/G Titus Howard (Ankle) - DNP
No. 77 T Trent Brown (Ankle/Knee) - Limited
No. 79 T Aireontae Ersery (Thumb) - Full
No. 90 DT Sheldon Rankins (Elbow) - Limited
No. 96 DE Denico Autry (Knee) - DNP
* In designated to return from IR window
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