The Steelers open the regular season against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, and they will go in with almost a completely healthy team.
The only player on the injury report this week has been tight end Vance McDonald, still battling a foot injury that sidelined him during training camp and the preseason.
McDonald was limited in practice on Wednesday, sat out completely on Thursday and Friday, and has been ruled out for Sunday's game.
The team will have a multitude of other players who missed time during the preseason at their disposal though, including Ramon Foster. Foster missed all of the preseason after suffering a knee injury early on in training camp. He was a full go in practice all week, not appearing on the injury report at all.
"It's so good to finally feel almost close to normal," said Foster. "I never thought I would have an injury like that after going for so long. It feels so good to be back in the fold. If you ever played the game, being outside and watching it puts a little feeling on yourself. I am just glad to be back."
When Foster was first injured he honestly didn't know if he would be back ever, let alone for opening day. To be set to play Sunday is the perfect scenario for him.
"It was a tough thought, especially after working so long and getting to this point," said Foster. "One of the things you don't want to have happen is an injury type of thing, or to have a point in your career where injuries decide things. It would have touched me a little bit, but at the same time health is more important than anything."
T.J. Watt is chomping at the bit to get out on the field on Sunday. Watt also missed the entire preseason after suffering a hamstring injury in camp, and he has missed the game.
"I hated missing as much time as I did," said Watt. "I love the game of football so much. I think that is why it's so hard for me. Some guys might enjoy the break, but for me it was so tough. I tried to stay focused and take as many mental reps and watch as much film as possible just to get ready for this week and the Cleveland Browns.
"My body feels good and I am ready to go."
Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 1
Game Status
TE Vance McDonald (Foot) - Out
Friday, 9/7
TE Vance McDonald (Foot) - DNP
Thursday, 9/6
TE Vance McDonald (Foot) - DNP
Wednesday, 9/5
TE Vance McDonald (Foot) - Limited
Cleveland Browns Participation/Injury Report, Week 1
Game Status
LB James Burgess (Concussion) - Doubtful
DB E.J. Gaines (Knee) - Out
Friday, 9/7
LB Genard Avery (Glute) - Full
LB James Burgess (Concussion) - DNP
DT Trevon Coley (Ankle) - Full
TE Seth DeValve (Quad) - Full
DB E.J. Gaines (Knee) - Limited
WR Josh Gordon (Hamstring) - Full
T Desmond Harrison (Knee) - Full
LB Christian Kirksey (Shoulder) - Full
DB Damarious Randall (Knee) - Full
Thursday, 9/6
LB Genard Avery (Glute) - Full
LB James Burgess (Concussion) - DNP
DT Trevon Coley (Ankle) - Full
TE Seth DeValve (Quad) - Limited
DB E.J. Gaines (Knee) - Limited
WR Josh Gordon (Hamstring) - Limited
T Desmond Harrison (Knee) - Limited
LB Christian Kirksey (Shoulder) - Full
DB Damarious Randall (Knee) - Full
Wednesday, 9/5
LB Genard Avery (Glute) - Limited
LB James Burgess (Concussion) - DNP
DT Trevon Coley (Ankle) - Limited
TE Seth DeValve (Quad) - Limited
DB E.J. Gaines (Knee) - DNP
WR Josh Gordon (Hamstring) - Limited
T Desmond Harrison (Knee) - Limited
DB Damarious Randall (Knee) - Full
