Rookie LB’s role might grow Sunday

Steelers outside linebacker Anthony Chickillo practiced for the first time this week Friday and said he would be ready to play when the Steelers play the Raiders Sunday afternoon in Oakland.

Chickillo has injuries in both ankles. The latest injury happened in the second half of the loss against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Chickillo officially is listed as questionable for the game. If he has a setback or is limited against the Raiders, it could mean rookie Ola Adeniyi has a bigger role this week. Adeniyi made his NFL debut against the Chargers and played nine defensive snaps and was credited with one tackle. He forced a holding penalty on Chargers tackle Sam Tevi.

Outside linebackers coach Joey Porter likes to give starter T.J. Watt one or two series off per game, so Adeniyi must be ready again this week.

“I feel like I have to be ready whenever because anything can happen,” Adeniyi said.

Switzer cleared

Receiver Ryan Switzer was in concussion protocol after leaving the Chargers game, but he was a full practice participant every day this week and will play against the Raiders.

Right tackle Marcus Gilbert will miss a seventh consecutive game with a knee injury. Gilbert did not practice all week, and Matt Feiler will get his seventh start of the season.

Running back James Conner was ruled out early in the week with an ankle sprain.

10,000 and counting

Receiver Antonio Brown is 62 yards shy of 11,000 for his career. Only 34 players in the history of the NFL have 11,000 receiving yards.

“I’ll think about that when I’m done playing,” Brown said.

Brown passed Roddy White and Joey Galloway in the NFL record books last week. Next up: Chad Johnson, Keenan McCardell and Rod Smith.