The Steelers got some good news on the injury front Wednesday, as All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt returned to practice on a limited basis as the team began preparations to play the Bengals Sunday in Cincinnati.
The team still awaits word on the clearance of All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Reserve/COVID-19 List, but remains confident that will occur in time for Sunday's critical AFC North game. Fitzpatrick, who went on the list Nov. 15, has begun taking COVID-19 tests and needs to test negative for the virus twice in a 24-hour period and then be cleared by the league.
Meanwhile, cornerback Joe Haden (foot) remained sidelined for Wednesday's practice. He could try to practice as soon as Thursday.
The return of those three players would be big for the Steelers (5-4-1) against the Bengals (6-4), who are a half-game ahead of them in the AFC North standings.
All three missed last Sunday's 41-37 loss to the Chargers, a game in which the Steelers allowed 533 yards, their most since a 2013 loss to the Patriots.
Watt, despite missing two games this season, including the first meeting with the Bengals in Week 3, which was a 24-10 loss, is second in the NFL with 12.5 sacks.
Rookie defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk (hamstring) also was limited Wednesday.
Also missing practice on Wednesday were offensive linemen Trai Turner, J.C. Hassenauer and tight end Eric Ebron. Ebron is expected to be placed on injured reserve at some point this week due to a meniscus injury. Kevin Rader was promoted from the practice squad Wednesday morning to take his place on the roster.
The Steelers also placed wide receiver/kick returner Ray-Ray McCloud on the Reserve/COVID-19 List Wednesday, with Rader taking his place on the 53-man roster.
