PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Ben Roethlisberger limited at practice on Thursday as he deals with a pec injury. TJ Watt (groin) also limited, as OLB Alex Highsmith (groin) did not practice.
Roethlisberger skipped Wednesday’s workout, but that is a typical day off during the week for the 18-year veteran.
Along with Highsmith not practicing, neither did starting receiver Diontae Johnson with a knee injury. Johnson hasn’t practiced all week since his injury on the final play of the game Sunday.
A trio of back-up defensive players missed as well-defensive lineman Carlos Davis (knee), linebacker Marcus Allen (ab) and corner Justin Layne (Achilles).
Joe Haden (groin) and tight end Eric Ebron (Coaches Decision) returned to full work Thursday. Linebacker Devin Bush (groin) missed Sunday but has been full go all week.
Buggs’ Life
Third-year defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs will make his second NFL start against the Bengals on Sunday. Buggs played in 10 games last season with 10 tackles.
“I just got to keep the standard,” Buggs said Thursday. “I’m excited to get this opportunity. I played behind Tyson. Tyson taught me the ins-and-outs of the game. I just have to keep that legacy going for Tyson.”
Buggs said he’s learned basically everything from Alualu. He says he’s in better conditioning, better shape and an overall better player. The former Alabama lineman also knows all the positions along the line.
He had a sack on Burrow previously. When Alabama played LSU, but negated due to penalty.
“It’s a collective thing up front,” Buggs said. “We all practice hard. We all in the same meeting room. We all got to contribute and keep the standard.”
Heyward Say Relax
Quote of the Day from Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward.
“We lost one game. I’m not here to act like the season is over with. We got a long season ahead of us. It’s AFC North. Everyone’s record is 1-1 on the division. Game on.”