21 Sean Davis FS

Davis (knee) returned to practice as a full participant Thursday, Teresa Varley of Steelers.com reports.

Davis was held out of Wednesday's practice with a minor knee injury after playing 67 snaps against the Raiders on Sunday, but he should be back at full strength by the Steelers' Week 15 matchup against the Patriots. Davis will face a tough test across from tight end Rob Gronkowski, who went for 168 yards on nine catches in their battle last season.

Davis was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury.

Davis played all 67 defensive snaps in last Sunday's loss to the Raiders but apparently didn't escape the game unscathed. The specifics of the injury remain unclear, but the 25-year-old will likely need to practice fully by Friday if he is to avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Davis had nine tackles (six solo) and a pass defensed in Sunday's 33-30 loss to the Chargers.

The effort tied Davis' highest tackle total of the season, which he also reached Week 9 against the Ravens. The 25-year-old has 64 tackles (48 solo) through 12 games and is without and interception or a sack.

Davis led the defense with nine tackles (all solo) during Sunday's 23-16 win over Baltimore.

The Steelers are on a four-game winning streak, during which they have held opponents to an average of 18 points per game. That could change in Week 10 against the Panthers, who have a three-game winning streak of their own, averaging 33 points per game over that span.

Davis exited Sunday's practice early due to a groin injury, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The extent of Davis' injury is not yet known. If he is forced to miss extended action, look for rookie Terrell Edmunds to see additional starting reps at safety alongside Morgan Burnett. Davis had a strong year in 2017, recording 92 tackles, three interceptions, a forced fumble, and a sack, so his starting position shouldn't be in any danger as long as he can get healthy during the training camp window.