The Steelers had their first practice Monday after a four-day break during their off week, and the news on the injury front is positive.
Defensive end Cam Heyward went through a full practice and expects to play Sunday against the Ravens. Right tackle Marcus Gilbert practiced for the first time since injuring his ankle against the Chiefs one month ago and hopes to return this week as well.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger practiced but did not speak to reporters afterward. There won't be an official injury report until after practice Wednesday, but it appears Roethlisberger, who had surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee two weeks ago, is on track to play in the game, too.
"Whenever you have a leader like that, coming off surgery, to come out there and show the team you're willing to do what it takes to play with your brothers, you can really respect that," center Maurkice Pouncey said. "Everyone knows and can see why he's a leader on this team."
Guard Ramon Foster confirmed Roethlisberger did some work with the first-team offense and the scout team offense during the practice.
"You have a $100 million quarterback doing scout team," Foster said. "He was in the pocket. He was doing his thing. They know they can't hit him, but it was good to put the pressure on him like that."
Gilbert has missed three games with a high ankle sprain and is itching to return to the lineup.
"I was glad to be back out there with my guys, just to get the feel of football again," Gilbert said. "Going through certain situations I felt really good, felt really comfortable."
Gilbert said he took the majority of reps with the first-team offense.
"I started out slow, then progressed and finished out pretty strong," Gilbert said.
Gilbert said the plan is to return against the Ravens.
"I plan on being out there," he said. "I love this game so much. I miss being out there with my guys. Anything I can do to give my all, I'm going to get back out there and help this team."
Heyward, who missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, confirmed he took part in every drill in practice and would have been listed as a full participant if there was an injury report.
"I guess I'm back," he said. "It felt good. The main thing is try to continue to keep getting reps, work on conditioning and get the fatigue out of my hamstring."
