The Pittsburgh Steelers traded in their helmets for cloth masks. It was that kind of practice Wednesday.
“Coach (Mike) Tomlin is taking care of us,” receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster said.
The Steelers’ first practice of the week was a glorified walkthrough. With a growing injury list and in the midst of a stretch of three consecutive road games — the past two against physical, bruising style of teams — Tomlin took his usual veterans-day-off weekly Wednesday practice to a new level with a shortened workout in which no pads or helmets were necessary.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and center Maurkice Pouncey did not take part, according to the injury report, albeit neither veteran was listed with an injury.
Offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski and defensive lineman Tyson Alualu also did not practice. Wisniewski (pectoral) was activated off injured reserve Wednesday, and Alualu has a ligament sprain in his knee that will cause him to miss at least Sunday’s game at the Dallas Cowboys.
Slot cornerback Mike Hilton and defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs were limited participants. Hilton missed the past two games because of a shoulder injury, and Buggs suffered an ankle injury while playing extensive snaps in place of Alualu during this past Sunday’s win at the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers are hopeful Hilton can return for the Dallas game to fill his nickel role.
Special-teams captain Jordan Dangerfield was a full participant after missing the Ravens game because of a quadriceps injury. Defensive captain Cameron Heyward was also a full participant, a late add to the list. Heyward suffered a quadriceps injury late in this past Sunday’s game but said Wednesday that he was fine.
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