INJURY UPDATE: Star player returns, new starter misses practice

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers welcome back outside linebacker Alex Highsmith from an ankle injury on Thursday. Highsmith was a limited participant and was on the practice field for the first time since his injury against the Washington Commanders.

Meanwhile, both players on injured reserve who are trying to make returns took steps back on Thursday. Cornerback Cory Trice and defensive tackle Montravius Adams both were limited participants after being full participants on Wednesday. That could be a bad sign for their availability this weekend.

Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton popped up with a new injury. He was labeled as being limited with a hip injury. That is the first time the label has followed Benton this season, and it is unknown if it is related to his injury scare against the Baltimore Ravens.

Safety Damontae Kazee did not practice with an illness. It is rare for players to miss a game with an illness and it is not expected that Kazee will miss the team’s game Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.