Teresa Varley
The Steelers began their preparation for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland, adjusting their practice schedule to prepare for the five-hour time difference.
The team moved practice up by an hour and a half to get acclimated before they depart for Ireland on Thursday night.
"The physical work on this side of the trip is important for us," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "We are doing some things to acclimate ourselves to the trip. We are working early this week to start the body clock transition process. We certainly have some best practices in terms of acclimating ourselves once we begin the journey. Nothing unique there.
"A lot of organizations have been traveling internationally now for a number of years so some of those procedural things that put you in position to best perform are less mystical and really more best practices. The hydration and sleep factor and all those things.
"We had a good admin meeting regarding some of that stuff so that we can get singularly focused on the football work, the prep work that's going to be required to position ourselves to play winning football."
And the key for that will be to have as many healthy players as possible.
Tomlin already ruled out linebacker Alex Highsmith, but he left the door open for safety DeShon Elliott and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Both players were limited in practice on Wednesday.
"DeShon Elliott and Joey Porter certainly have a chance," said Tomlin. "We'll work those guys this week and let the amount of their participation and the quality of their participation be our guide in terms of their participation in game, and also the amount of participation.
"We were in a similar situation last week with Derrick Harmon for example. He was deemed healthy enough to play, got him in uniform, but we were certainly cognizant of the number of snaps he played.
"Health and football readiness and conditioning at times can be different things, so we'll watch those guys close and can make appropriate decisions at the latter part of the week."
Cornerback Darius Slay will be slowed early in the week, but he is expected to be available on Sunday.
"We had some bumps and bruises associated with play that might limit a few people in the early portions of week," said Tomlin. "Probably doesn't make the availability a question mark.
"For example, Slay was in and out of the game a few times with a leg contusion. May slow him early in the week but certainly expect him to be available for us as we push forward to our game time."
Linebacker Patrick Queen was limited on Wednesday with an oblique injury.
The full practice report is below.
Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 4
Wednesday, September 25
No. 6 LB Patrick Queen (Oblique) - Limited
No. 23 CB Darius Slay (NIR - Resting Vet) - DNP
No. 24 CB Joey Porter Jr. (Hamstring) - Limited
No. 25 S DeShon Elliott (Knee) - Limited
No. 30 RB Jaylen Warren (NIR - Resting Vet) - Limited
No. 56 LB Alex Highsmith (Ankle) - DNP
No. 73 OL Isaac Seumalo (NIR - Resting Vet) - DNP
No. 81 TE Jonnu Smith (NIR - Resting Vet) - DNP
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt (NIR - Resting Vet) - DNP
No. 97 DT Cameron Heyward (NIR - Resting Vet) - DNP
Minnesota Vikings Participation/Injury Report, Week 4
Wednesday, September 25
TBA
Bringing you the action:For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.
Sign up today >>>
