Ben Roethlisberger remained on track to start Sunday night against the Colts Thursday, but it’s looking increasingly likely that he’ll be playing without one of his favorite targets.
Tight end Heath Miller was out of practice for the second straight day on Thursday due to a rib injury suffered in Seattle last Sunday. Miller was hurt in the first half and the Steelers initially called his return to the lineup probable, but downgraded him a short time later. If Miller doesn’t play, the team will have to turn to rookie Jesse James and veteran Matt Spaeth in his place.
There was better news elsewhere on offense as wide receiver Martavis Bryant practiced after sitting out on Wednesday with a hip injury. Safety Mike Mitchell and linebacker James Harrison also returned to practice, but Mitchell’s partner in the back end of the secondary was absent.
Will Allen didn’t practice because of an ankle issue after not being listed on the injury report at all on Wednesday. Allen missed three games earlier this year with an ankle injury and Robert Golden took his place in the starting lineup.