Jamal Adams and Quinnen Williams both took a major step in the right direction on Wednesday, as they participated in practice on a limited basis.
Adams (ankle) and Williams (neck) are now positioned to return to action against the Steelers on Sunday barring any setbacks. Williams sat out New York’s Thursday night matchup with the Ravens last week after suffering a stinger against the Dolphins, while Adams has missed Gang Green’s last two games after injuring his ankle against the Bengals in Week 13.
“The chances of me playing this week are very high,” Adams said after practice.
Adams isn’t the only Jets defensive back who could return against Pittsburgh. Cornerback Brian Poole is in the later stages of concussion protocol and could play against the Steelers assuming he passes testing.
As for Wednesday’s non-participants, Tom Compton sat out with a calf injury. If Compton can’t go against Pittsburgh, the Jets will turn to either Conor McDermott or Brent Qvale, who was activated from injured reserve last week.
Demaryius Thomas also missed practice on Wednesday due to knee and hamstring injuries. Thomas did not play against the Ravens and his status against Steelers is up in the air.