The Ravens had some key players absent from practice Wednesday when they began preparations for the Steelers.
They also had some critical reinforcements back in action.
Overall, the Ravens are dealing with a handful of injuries after last week's grueling game in Cincinnati, and they will have to overcome them as they get ready for another AFC North Showdown.
"We've had injuries all year at different positions," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "You just have to step up. It's not something we talk about or make a deal about it. It's not a point of emphasis for us. It's just that we're a team, we're the Ravens team and whoever is part of it goes out there and plays, and does their best."
Daniels, Canty Return
The good news for the Ravens is a pair of veterans returned to the practice field.
Tight end Owen Daniels (knee) and defensive end Chris Canty (wrist) were both back in action after recent surgeries.
Daniels was a limited participant after having a knee procedure last week that held him out against Cincinnati, and Canty practiced for the first time in a month after dealing with an infection in his wrist.
Canty was a full participant in practice, and he told The Baltimore Sun, "I feel good. We'll continue to progress and the coaches will make adecision at end of the week if I'll be able to play."
Harbaugh told reporters last week after Daniels' procedure that the veteran tight end could potentially return to action this week against Pittsburgh.
"That would be an optimistic approach, but it could happen," Harbaugh said on Friday.
Suggs, Ngata, Forsett and Yanda All Sidelined
Baltimore had key starters sidelined on both sides of the ball, as outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (neck), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (shin), right guard Marshal Yanda (knee) and running back Justin Forsett (ankle) all missed practice.
All four starters finished last week's game against the Bengals. Yanda was briefly sidelined for the contest, but he returned to action after having his knee checked out in the locker room.
Harbaugh regularly gives veteran players like Suggs and Ngata additional time to rest early in the week, so their absence doesn't necessarily put their status for Sunday in jeopardy.
Webb, Smith Both Miss Practice
Harbaugh already said cornerback Jimmy Smith would miss a "few weeks" with a foot injury that occurred last Sunday against Cincinnati.
But now Lardarius Webb has joined him on the injury report. Webb sat out Wednesday's practice for a non-injury reason, as the Ravens decided to give him a day to rest.
"I'm feeling great," Webb told reporters. "'Harbs' just gave me a vet day, and I'll take it."
Webb, Dominique Franks and Chykie Brown are the only thee healthy cornerbacks the Ravens have on the roster. Safety Anthony Levine has also played cornerback in the past and he could step into that role if needed.
"We have a unique group back there," Harbaugh said. "We have the guys we need."
The only other player to miss practice for an injury was rookie receiver Michael Campanaro, who was forced out of Sunday's game after injuring his hamstring.
