Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (hip), safety William Moore (foot) and cornerback Robert Alford (fracture wrist) did not practice because of injuries on Thursday.
Also, defensive end Stansly Maponga did practice, but his absence was not injury related. He’s expected to return to practice on Friday.
Smith does not expect to get Alford back this week, but believes Jones and Moore may be able to play against the Steelers.
“I think that there’s a chance that these guys will be ready to go,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “Both of them have made a big turnaround in the first 48 hours. Unusually, that first 48 hours is a pretty good indicator. They both will be game time decisions, but do like the way that they’ve progressed through the first 48 hours.”
Jones and Moore left the Falcons’ 43-37 loss at Green Bay on Sunday and did not return.
Jones leads the NFL in receiving yards (1,428) after setting career highs in yards in consecutive games. Jones also leads the league with 27 receptions of 20 yards or longer.
“It’s really going to be up to the team doctor and our athletic performance group,” Smith said. “They are going to be the ones to make that decision. If there is any doubt that they are not ready to go, then the doctor will make that call. I know that both of those guys are doing everything in their power to get back on the field.”
Alford has missed the past three games.
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