Steelers Get Huge Injury News to Start Colts Week

The Pittsburgh Steelers had two of their biggest names on defense back at practice.

PITTSBURGH -- There was an encouraging development for Pittsburgh Steelers during their first practice of the week as two star defenders took the field. 

T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, who were both dealing with concussions, according to head coach Mike Tomlin, practiced with the Steelers to open Colts week, a good sign that they could be on the road to recovery by the weekend. 

It’s unknown to what extent they practiced outside of individual sessions, which All Steelers reported through video.

Both Highsmith and Watt, the team leaders with a combined 20 sacks between them, were in concussion protocol at the start of the week. Tomlin didn't have any updates on their availability for the Colts game during his weekly press conference and said their practice participation would give them an opportunity to clear protocol in time to play. 

Highsmith suffered a neck injury in the first half last week against the Patriots and left the game for good immediately. Watt took a knee to the head from New England running back Ezekiel Elliott on the first play and exited, then re-entered multiple times. Tomlin did not confirm that Watt was checked for a concussion during the game, but he was seen being taken into the medical tent by the NFL's concussion observer. 

Both players will need to clear concussion protocol before this weekend's game in order to play. To do so, they'll be evaluated by an independent neurologist before the team departs to Indianapolis to face the Colts. 

Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Steelers Make Two Changes to Starting Lineup

Ben Roethlisberger Jokes About Return to Steelers

Mike Tomlin Addresses Minkah Fitzpatrick's Criticism of Steelers

Steelers Shut Down QB Change

NFL Sends Steelers Strong Message

• Subscribe to the All Steelers YouTube Channel