There are no guarantees just yet but, 48 hours before kickoff, it appears that Ben Roethlisberger and Vince Williams (along with Jaylan Samuels and Gerald Hawkins) will play against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday at Heinz Field.
"This week has gone according to plan," Tomlin said after Friday's practice, indicating no positive Covid tests.
Regarding the quarterback specifically, Tomlin said, "If he comes off the protocol, we're going to have an extended walk-through (Saturday) just to give him an in-helmet perspective on some of the situational things and put the finishing touches on our work."
Tomlin also sloughed off any concern over Roethlisberger's knee (or knees) that were banged up in Dallas. "He's gotten all the proper rehabilitation during the week," Tomlin said, adding "his knees weren't an issue at all anyway," since he came back in the second half against the Cowboys and led a come-from-behind win.
Tomlin expects Williams to be available and "much in the manner of Ben" will play extensively. He expects whatever playing time newcomer Avery Williamson gets will come at the expense of "the others," meaning Robert Spillane
RB Anthony McFarland missed practice for a second straight day and Friday was joined by back-up OL Kevin Dotson but Tomlin isn't concerned.
"Those are illness related but obviously being in the heightened circumstances in terms of intensive protocol we are exercising all the proper precautions and not letting those guys come to work even if it's only illness."
As for more familiar football injuries, slot corner Mike Hilton was limited again Friday and in Tomlin's word is "questionable" for Sunday but nose tackle Tyson Alualu took a step forward and Tomlin says "he's a go."
