While the focus for many in recent days -- and throughout training camp, really -- has been on Le'Veon Bell's situation, the Steelers have had a number of moving parts throughout training camp and the preseason based on injuries.
But, with the notable exception of Bell, who remains away from the team, the Steelers figure to be relatively healthy heading into Sunday's regular season opener at Cleveland according to Mike Tomlin.
At least that is the plan.
"The vast majority of guys who had missed some time throughout the process have worked in some capacity or participated in the last preseason game," Tomlin said Tuesday. "Even those that didn't participate in the game, have been practice participants in some capacity. We expect that to continue. We anticipate all members of our team at least being partial participants as we get started this week with practice and let that be our guide."
That would mean receiver Antonio Brown, tight ends Vance McDonald and Xavier Grimble, cornerback Mike Hilton, safety Morgan Burnett and offensive lineman Ramon Foster all could be ready to go.
Brown, McDonald and Foster all did not play in any of the preseason games because of injuries.
Brown practiced sporadically throughout training camp because of a quad injury, but was back on the field Monday and looked good according to teammates, while Foster went through his first padded practice since suffering an MCL injury July 28.
"It felt good," Foster declared. "The movement was good. Coach T will have the final say. But I got all the reps. It felt good. No setbacks since the last time."
That could put Foster in line to start against the Browns. Overcoming the mental part of coming back from a knee injury was a big hurdle.
"Huge," Foster told me. "My third play in pads was a freaking accident. I wasn’t scared to be in pads or anything like that. I just wanted to be sure I was sure of myself."
The process for McDonald could be a little more dicey.
Out since July 29 with a foot injury, McDonald still has yet to return to practice. But Tomlin said that the veteran will be at least a partial participant in practice Wednesday. Where it goes from there is up to McDonald and team doctors.
"I’ll know more once he participates," Tomlin said. "We’ll see what the result of that work is, how that work feels, and we’ll be able to provide you more information based on that."
What Tomlin wouldn't rule out and nearly promised was that the team would be making a roster move or two before it plays the Browns.
The Steelers have just three outside linebackers on their active roster -- starters Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt, as well as backup Anthony Chickillo -- after rookie Ola Adeniyi was placed on injured reserve Monday.
That position, along with tight end, could be spots where the team needs to add a player.
Tomlin said he is comfortable with having three active outside linebackers on the roster -- as well as Keion Adams and Farrington Huguenin on the practice squad -- but that's about it.
"I just said I was comfortable," he said. "I’m not going to disclose my plan. I’m just comfortable."