PITTSBURGH -- Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor received medical clearance to return from a broken forearm Monday and later participated fully in the team's first practice following its bye week.
Taylor, who sustained the gruesome injury in a 37-19 win at Carolina on Sept. 21, said it is too early to tell whether he will be able to play Sunday against the visiting New Orleans Saints.
"I feel good," the 12th-year veteran said, "but we'll see how the coaching staff feels. If I leave it up to the doctors, they'll make all of the right decisions."
The Steelers defense has kept team doctors busy this season, but players are getting healthy at the right time.
The team activated outside linebacker Jarvis Jones from the injured reserve/designated to return list, and he practiced Monday for the first time since dislocating his wrist in the win over Carolina. The Steelers have three weeks to play Jones in a game or the second-year man goes on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
Taylor and Jones were among four injured defensive starters who practiced in some capacity Monday. The others were strong safety Troy Polamalu and rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier.
Polamalu has missed the past two games because of a sprained knee, but the eight-time Pro Bowler said last week that he anticipates playing against the Saints. Shazier is hopeful of playing Sunday after missing the past two games because of a high-ankle sprain.
Shazier said he practiced on a limited basis Monday and that how his knee responds as the week progresses will be the key to whether he plays against the Saints.
Wednesday will be an important day for all the injured players, as the Steelers will practice in pads.
The Steelers are 7-4 and trying to make a push for an AFC North title; all four teams in the division are at least two games over .500.