25 Artie Burns CB

Burns left Monday's practice with a possible groin injury, Mark Kaboly of the Athletic Pittsburgh reports.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Burns isn't dealing with anything significant, so we don't expect the cornerback to be sidelined for long. When healthy, the 2016 first-rounder should instantly slot back in with the first-team defense.

Burns (knee) doesn't appear on the final injury report in advance of Sunday's AFC divisional-round game against the Jaguars.

Burns hyperextended his right knee during Wednesday's practice and wasn't available for Thursday's session. However, it seems the injury proved to be relatively minor in severity, as he was then a full participant Friday and has been cleared to play in Sunday's playoff game.

Burns said that he suffered a hyperextended right knee injury in Wednesday's practice but plans to participate in Thursday's session on a limited basis, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

It was initially feared that Burns may have suffered ligament damage after sustaining the non-contact injury, but follow-up scans have apparently ruled out any structural concerns. However, it appears Burns is still battling some soreness in the knee, which could prevent him from practicing fully this week. The cornerback is still hopeful that he'll be able to play Sunday against Jacksonville, but if Burns can't go, Cameron Sutton would enter the starting ranks.

Burns exited Wednesday's practice session with a knee injury and was officially labeled a limited participant, Around the NFL reports.

The scary part is Burns' injury was reportedly non-contact, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the ligaments remain intact. What exactly this means for Sunday's divisional-round game against the Jaguars remains unclear, but Thursday and Friday's practice sessions should provide some clarity as to the 22-year-old' potential availability.

Burns, who recorded two tackles (both solo) in Sunday's win over the Browns, finishes up the 2017 season with 54 tackles (47 solo), an interception and fumble recoveries in 16 games.

Burns led the defense with 13 passes defended in only his second season, matching his total from 2016. Pittsburgh finished the season with the fifth best pass defense in the league in terms of yards allowed (201.1 per game). Like much of the defense, Burns is locked in to a long-term contract, meaning the team may dominate for several years to come.