NFL Player News

Philips (foot) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Philips didn't practice Wednesday, but was able to get back on the field and log a limited session Thursday. The defensive tackle has been nursing a foot injury for multiple weeks and has managed to play through it. If the starter can log at least limited participation again Friday, he will likely suit up for Sunday's contest against the Falcons.

Highsmith (pectoral) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Highsmith has missed Pittsburgh's past two contests due to a pectoral injury. He was limited in practice Wednesday, but with a full session under his belt Thursday, a Week 13 return seems to be in order. Highsmith has tallied 5.5 sacks over seven games this season.

Tippmann (personal) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Tippmann was added to Thursday's injury report, and the nature of his personal absence is unknown. If the personal issue persists, Xavier Newman-Johnson might get the start at right guard for Sunday's contest against the Falcons.

Heyward (ankle) was a full practice participant Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Heyward dealt with an ankle injury last week, though he was able to suit up Sunday against Chicago. He was limited in the Steelers' first practice this week, but with a full session Thursday, he seems likely to suit up against Buffalo on Sunday.

Metcalf (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Metcalf injured his ankle during Pittsburgh's loss to the Bears in Week 12 but managed to play through the issue, and after sitting out Wednesday's session, it appears he's now fully on track for Sunday's game against the Bills. The same can be said for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who sat out Week 12 due to a left wrist fracture but is now practicing in full while wearing a cast. Metcalf has drawn at least seven targets in four of his last five regular-season appearances, giving him a solid floor. That said, Metcalf hasn't scored or topped 50 receiving yards in four straight games, and in back-to-back contests he's finished without so much as a target in the red zone. Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports that Metcalf's left ankle remained taped at Thursday's practice.

Rodgers (wrist) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Rodgers' unrestricted practice level effectively confirms Ian Rapoport of NFL Network's report that the veteran quarterback is on track to return to the starting lineup for Sunday's contest against the Bills. Rodgers missed Week 12 due to a non-displaced fracture to his non-throwing wrist, and per Saunders still wore a cast at Thursday's practice. It's possible he'll still have the wrist stabilized during Sunday's game. Top wideout DK Metcalf (ankle) also practiced in full Thursday.

Brown was waived by the Bears on Thursday.

The running back was let go to help make room for the activation of defensive backs Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon from injured reserve. Brown signed with the active roster from the practice squad Nov. 22 and played on 10 special-teams snaps in Week 12 against Pittsburgh. In two games this season, Brown has carried the ball five times for 37 yards and a touchdown.

Rodgers (left wrist) returned to practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Per Pryor, Rodgers' left wrist was stabilized, but after missing Wednesday's session, the QB's return to the field a day later is nonetheless a positive development ahead of Sunday's game against the Bills. The Steelers' upcoming injury report is slated to clarify Rodgers' official participation level Thursday.

The Bears placed Newman (foot) on injured reserve Thursday.

Newman will now need to sit out at least four games while on IR. His placement on IR was part of a series of moves that also included defensive backs Kyler Gordon (calf) and Jaylon Johnson (groin) being activated off IR.

Metcalf practiced with his injured left ankle taped up Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Metcalf didn't practice Wednesday, but he was able to get back on the field Thursday. Metcalf remained in the game after getting hurt last Sunday against Chicago, so he's likely leaning toward suiting up against Buffalo this Sunday. However, he may enter the weekend with an injury designation if he doesn't progress to a full practice session by Friday.