There’s nothing like the arrival of a veteran receiver to help speed the healing of a young receiver’s ankle.
A day after the Steelers signed Plaxico Burress, Antonio Brown practiced for the first time since spraining an ankle 17 days ago.
Brown, the team’s MVP in 2011, practiced on a limited basis. It’s unclear whether he’ll increase his workload or play on Sunday. We’d previously heard that a more reasonable target for his return is Week 13, against the Ravens.
Missing practice were the team’s top two quarterbacks. Ben Roethlisberger didn’t practice due to a right shoulder injury (curiously, the team has yet to officially list the dislocated rib that he claims could puncture his aorta), and Byron Leftwich missed due to his rib injury. Coach Mike Tomlin has described Roethlisberger as doubtful, as he has yet to be scratched for Sunday’s game at Cleveland.
Also not practicing were safety Troy Polamalu (calf), defensive end Ziggy Hood (back), tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle), and receiver Jerricho Cotchery (ribs).