PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers could finally have their starting defense intact Thursday when they play the Philadelphia Eagles.
Outside linebacker Jarvis Jones practiced on Monday, putting the second-year man on track to play in the 7:30 p.m. ET game later this week at Lincoln Financial Field.
“He looked good today in practice,” Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler said. “We need to get (Jason Worilds) and Jarvis in there at the same time and get them ready to play.”
Jones did not play in the Steelers' 19-16 win against the Buffalo Bills last Saturday night and he has been hampered by a groin injury.
The game against the Eagles is a critical one for the starters since it is the last time they will see extensive action until the regular-season opener. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he expects to play the first half against the Eagles and the Steelers' starting defense figures to play at least as long as that.
Coach Mike Tomlin said he will provide an updated injury report Tuesday at his news conference. He said starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert did not finish practice on Monday because of neck stiffness and that rookie tight end Eric Waters may have sustained a concussion during drills.
The Steelers made a couple of roster moves on Monday, signing offensive lineman Graham Pocic and cornerback Dayonne Nunley. The Steelers made room on the roster for the new additions by releasing wide receiver James Shaw and placing guard Bryant Browning on the waived/injured list.
Browning dislocated his shoulder in the Bills game.
