Linebacker Bud Dupree suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle in the second quarter of last week's 24-17 loss at Denver but said he hopes to play Sunday when the Steelers host the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field.
The ultimate decision, however, is up to Mike Tomlin.
"I'm good," Dupree said Friday after working through practice for the first time this week. "Coach T is going to make the decision about whether I'm going to play or not. But I feel good."
It could wind up being a game-time decision, but the Steelers could give a glimpse of whether or not they feel Dupree will play depending on if they make a move Friday or Saturday to add an outside linebacker to their 53-man roster.
Currently, the Steelers are carrying just three outside linebackers, including Dupree. The others are T.J. Watt and Anthony Chickillo. If Dupree can't play, Chickillo would get the start against the Chargers.
The Steelers have three internal options to replace Dupree, if needed. Rookie Ola Adeniyi has been practicing the past two weeks and has one more week remaining for the team to make a decision whether to activate him from injured reserve or have him spend the season on it.
And the team also has Farrington Huguenin and Keion Adams on its practice squad at that position.
Dupree did not record a tackle in the game against the Broncos. But with Watt having suffered a wrist injury during the game, he didn't have much choice but to keep playing, despite the fact he knew immediately he had torn the pectoral muscle.
It's the second time in his life he's torn his left pectoral.
"I tore my pec in college and I re-tore it," he said. "I just kind of played through it (Sunday). It kind of limited me. We got the MRI and stuff. I took it easy this week as a precaution. I got a lot of treatment.
How did it work out in college?
"Missed two games my senior season," Dupree said. "I put a strap on. I tore it off the bone in college. This time, it's just a tear on the muscle.
"It's just a pain issue now. You've just got to fight through it."
Dupree, who has 29 tackles, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception return for a touchdown this season, said the issue could affect him at the line of scrimmage. The Steelers moved Dupree from the left side of the defense to the right this season, meaning his affected arm is now on the inside and the first one to engage with would-be blockers.
"But I know how to deal with it," Dupree said. "I know how to deal with injuries. It's probably some of the inside stuff. It just depends on how you can take pain."
The injury news wasn't all bad for the Steelers. Defensive end Stephon Tuitt made it through his second consecutive day of practice and should be ready to return from a two-game absence after suffering a hyperextended right elbow, while Matt Feiler, who has been playing at right tackle in place of injured Marcus Gilbert, made it through his third consecutive day of practice and said he hopes to play against the Chargers.
Feiler missed last week's game at Denver with a pectoral injury of his own. Rookie Chuks Okorafor started in his place.