*James Conner – Hot News – Injury
RB James Conner, who has been in concussion protocol since taking a hit to the head against Carolina last Thursday, went through a full practice Wednesday and said afterward that he felt like he was “back to normal.”
Ben Roethlisberger – Noteworthy
QB Ben Roethlisberger told reporters that he did not receive a response after texting running back Le’Veon Bell prior to the 4 p.m. ET reporting deadline on Tuesday. By electing against showing up, Bell forfeited the 2018 season — and $14.5 million in earnings on the franchise tag. The 26-year-old Bell will become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. “I texted him yesterday before the deadline asking him — texted — saying I was hoping he was going to show up, and if he decided not to I wish him nothing but the best,” Roethlisberger said on Wednesday morning, via video posted by PennLive.com. “He was a great teammate and football player. To each their own on what they want to walk away from.”
Ben Roethlisberger – Important
QB Ben Roethlisberger earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors following his five-touchdown performance versus the Carolina Panthers, the NFL announced Wednesday. Roethlisberger threw for 328 yards in the Steelers’ 52-21 romp over the Panthers on Thursday to receive the honor for the second time this season and 17th career.
Marcus Gilbert – Important – Injury
T Marcus Gilbert, who missed the past three games with a knee injury, did not practice Wednesday.
Stephon Tuitt – Noteworthy – Injury
DE Stephon Tuitt, who suffered an elbow injury against Carolina, did not practice Wednesday.