The Steelers practiced again on Thursday and running back DeAngelo Williams remained on the sideline.
Williams was injured in Week 17 against the Browns and was in a walking boot by the time the game ended with what was initially described as an ankle injury, but what the team is calling a foot issue. Whatever the exact nature of the injury, the concern about Williams’ availability to face the Bengals on Saturday remains high as long as he’s unable to get on the field.
Playing without Williams would force the Steelers to turn to the lightly used duo of Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jordan Todman in the backfield for Wild Card weekend. While the Pittsburgh passing attack is a potent one, they’ll need their backs to provide some balance even if Williams isn’t able to go if they’re going to keep a strong Bengals defense from loading up to stop them through the air.
The Steelers are otherwise healthy heading into Saturday. Safety Will Allen didn’t practice Thursday, but it was a rest day and everyone else on the 53-man roster was a full participant.