Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger returns to practice Thursday

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returned to practice on Thursday after sitting during Wednesday's session for (officially termed) a non-injury related reason. It's our hip way of saying "veterans' rest".

Roethlisberger took a hard shot against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Pittsburgh called five straight runs to Le'Veon Bell, some featuring left-handed exchanges. One Bleacher Report report went so far as to say that Roethlisberger suffered a fractured wrist on his throwing hand. Everyone disputed the report, which hasn't been verified or confirmed from another source.

According to offensive coordinator Todd Haley, head coach Mike Tomlin wanted to give Roethlisberger the day off on Wednesday because he had a rough game against New Orleans and because the team practiced on turf indoors. "After tough, physical games like that, coming in here on the (indoor facility) turf, Coach wanted to give him a break yesterday,'' Haley said via Behind the Steel Curtain. "But today, he was sharp and throwing it around the field.''

Per BTSC:

Ben Roethlisberger zipped passes to all areas of the practice field Thursday and was accurate while doing it according to Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley and several players.

Offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle), linebacker James Harrison (knee) and safety Troy Polamalu missed practiced for a second time this week on Thursday. Harrison's practices were expected to be sparse and Gilbert, who injured his ankle last week during practice, could miss Sunday's game.

DID NOT PRACTICE
OT Marcus Gilbert (Ankle)
LB James Harrison (Knee)
S Troy Polamalu (Illness)

FULL PRACTICE
QB Ben Roethlisberger (NIR)
LB Ryan Shazier (Ankle)
CB Ike Taylor (Shoulder)
TE Heath Miller (NIR)
CB Brice McCain (Hamstring)
CB Cortez Allen (Thumb)
NT Steve McLendon (Shoulder)