The Steelers wrapped up their preparation for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars
The Steelers secondary is dealing with injuries as cornerbacks Levi Wallace (foot) and Joey Porter Jr. (calf) were both limited on Friday. In addition, cornerback James Pierre (ankle) was added to the injury report and didn't practice. All three players are listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
With those three dealing with injuries, cornerback Darius Rush is making sure he is ready if called upon. Rush was signed off the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad on Oct. 18 and knows if he has to play, he has an expectation to meet.
"I have been getting into the playbook since I have been here, getting an opportunity when I get on the field to go take those reps, I have to make sure I know what I am doing. It's my responsibility to make sure I am executing and knowing my assignment.
"When I am on that field there is a standard I am supposed to play at. That is the standard I am going to play at any time I am between those white lines. If I wasn't prepared, they would have me take reps (in practice)."
Linebacker T.J. Watt was limited on Friday with a heel injury.
Receiver Diontae Johnson was a full participant on Friday after missing practice on Thursday.
"I was just taking a day off," said Johnson. "They wanted to give my legs a rest. It is nothing serious. I am going to be ready for Sunday."
Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who was cleared to return to practice on Thursday but remains on the Reserve/Injured List, continues to work his way back and was a full participant on Friday.
"It felt good. It's been some weeks," said Heyward on Thursday. "It's been a while. I am excited to just get back out there, get in the flow of things. I still have more work to get done before I get back.
"I am taking it day-by-day. I am not rushing the process. The healing is taking effect. But I have to get reps under my belt. I gotta feel more comfortable with what I am doing. Trust myself, trust my body. We'll see where we are at."
Heyward said his conditioning has been good throughout the process, helping him to adjust back to the rigors of practice.
"The conditioning has been great," said Heyward. "I have been running every day. From walking, to going in the pool, to Arc trainer to the bike, there have been a multitude of things I have been trying to do. It's only benefitting me.
"I have missed these types of practices. I wish I could have gotten Wednesday under my belt. But I am excited to keep asking for more. Checking things off the box and moving forward."
Heyward doesn't have a target date for his return, but he wants to be back sooner rather than later.
"That's above my paygrade," said Heyward of when he will return. "I am sure somebody has that planned out for me. I hope to beat that one day.
"I have been pressing. There have been MRIs. I have had to see where my progress is.
"I trust what they are doing. I know my body. I know I am up there in age, but I feel like I progressed pretty well."
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Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 8
Game Status
No. 24 CB Joey Porter Jr. (Calf) - Questionable
No. 29 CB Levi Wallace (Foot) - Questionable
No. 42 CB James Pierre (Ankle) - Questionable
Friday, October 27
No. 18 WR Diontae Johnson (Hamstring) - Full
No. 24 CB Joey Porter Jr. (Calf) - Limited
No. 26 RB Anthony McFarland Jr.* (Knee) - Full
No. 29 CB Levi Wallace (Foot) - Limited
No. 42 CB James Pierre (Ankle) - DNP
No. 55 LB Cole Holcomb (Ankle) - Full
No. 71 OL Nate Herbig (Illness) - Full
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt (Heel) - Limited
No. 97 DL Cameron Heyward* (Groin) - Full
No. 99 DL Larry Ogunjobi (Shoulder) - Full
**Designated to return from IR; currently in 21-day practice window
Thursday, October 26
No. 18 WR Diontae Johnson (Hamstring) - DNP
No. 24 CB Joey Porter Jr. (Calf) - Limited
No. 26 RB Anthony McFarland Jr.* (Knee) - Full
No. 29 CB Levi Wallace (Foot) - Limited
No. 55 LB Cole Holcomb (Ankle) - Full
No. 71 OL Nate Herbig (Illness) - Full
No. 91 DL Cameron Heyward* (Groin) - Limited
No. 99 DL Larry Ogunjobi (Shoulder) - DNP
**Designated to return from IR; currently in 21-day practice window
Wednesday, October 25
No. 20 CB Patrick Peterson (NIR - Resting) - Limited
No. 26 RB Anthony McFarland Jr.* (Knee) - Full
No. 29 CB Levi Wallace (Foot) - DNP
No. 55 LB Cole Holcomb (Ankle) - Full
No. 71 OL Nate Herbig (Illness) - DNP
No. 73 OL Isaac Seumalo (NIR - Resting) - DNP
**Designated to return from IR; currently in 21-day practice window
Jacksonville Jaguars Participation/Injury Report, Week 8
Game Status
No. 32 CB Tyson Campbell (Hamstring) - Questionable
No. 5 S Andre Cisco (Hamstring) - Questionable
No. 7 WR Zay Jones (Knee) - Out
No. 34 CB Gregory Junior (Hamstring) - Out
No. 16 QB Trevor Lawrence (Knee) - Questionable
No. 72 OL Walker Little (Knee) - Questionable
No. 68 OL Brandon Scherff (Ankle) - Questionable
Friday, October 27
No. 32 CB Tyson Campbell (Hamstring) - Limited
No. 5 S Andre Cisco (Hamstring) - Limited
No. 52 DT DaVon Hamilton (Back) - Full
No. 7 WR Zay Jones (Knee) - DNP
No. 34 CB Gregory Junior (Hamstring) - Full
No. 16 QB Trevor Lawrence (Knee) - Limited
No. 72 OL Walker Little (Knee) - Limited
No. 68 OL Brandon Scherff (Ankle) - Limited
Thursday, October 26
No. 32 CB Tyson Campbell (Hamstring) - Limited
No. 5 S Andre Cisco (Hamstring) - Limited
No. 52 DT DaVon Hamilton (Back) - Full
No. 7 WR Zay Jones (Knee) - DNP
No. 34 CB Gregory Junior (Hamstring) - Full
No. 16 QB Trevor Lawrence (Knee) - Limited
No. 72 OL Walker Little (Knee) - Limited
No. 68 OL Brandon Scherff (Ankle) - Limited
Wednesday, October 25
No. 32 CB Tyson Campbell (Hamstring) - Limited
No. 5 S Andre Cisco (Hamstring) - Limited
No. 52 DT DaVon Hamilton (Back) - Full
No. 7 WR Zay Jones (Knee) - DNP
No. 34 CB Gregory Junior (Hamstring) - Full
No. 16 QB Trevor Lawrence (Knee) - Limited
No. 72 OL Walker Little (Knee) - Limited
No. 68 OL Brandon Scherff (Ankle) - Limited
