The Steelers had a number of players sit out Wednesday's practice as they began preparation to play the Texans on Sunday at Heinz Field.
But there was one familiar face back in the lineup -- All-Pro right guard David DeCastro.
DeCastro, wearing a knee brace on his left leg, was back in uniform and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster confirmed he was back on the field Wednesday.
DeCastro missed all but a week of the team's open practices in training camp with the injury. He sat out the first week of padded practices, returned for a week, but then aggravated the injury in a mock game the Steelers held at Heinz Field Aug. 29 and had been out since.
"Having him back would be huge for us," wide receiver Smith-Schuster said Wednesday.
In his absence, veteran Stefen Wisniewski started the Steelers' season-opening victory over the Giants. But Wisniewski suffered a pectoral injury in the fourth quarter of that game and was replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Kevin Dotson in last week's win over the Broncos.
DeCastro's expected return will mean the Steelers will have started three different starting offensive line combinations in their first three games.
For the Steelers, wide receivers Smith-Schuster (knee) and Diontae Johnson (toe) and nose tackle Tyson Alualu (knee contusion) were all held out of practice Wednesday because of injuries. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, center Maurkice Pouncey and defensive linemen Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt also were given the day off from practice as a coach's decision.
Linebacker Bud Dupree, whom head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday might be held out of practice because of a shoulder injury, was a full participant.
For the Texans, wide receiver Will Fuller and running back Duke Johnson, who have both been dealing with injuries, reportedly were back at practice Wednesday, though Johnson was listed as limited.
Also limited for Houston were wide receiver Brandin Cooks (quad), inside linebacker Peter Kalambayi (hamstring), left tackle Laremy Tunsil (elbow), defensive end J.J. Watt (groin) and fullback Cullen Gillasipa (concussion).
Right tackle Tytus Howard (ankle) was a full participant.