The Pittsburgh Steelers have now wrapped up their Wednesday practice as they prepare to play the Baltimore Ravens Sunday night at Heinz Field and the first injury report of the week has now been released.
Not practicing Wednesday were tight end Matt Spaeth (hamstring) and safety Ross Ventrone (hamstring). Ventrone is not expected to be ready by Sunday night, according to an update given by head coach Mike Tomlin Tuesday during his weekly press conference.
Limited Wednesday was cornerback Ike Taylor (forearm). Taylor won’t play against the Ravens as he is still waiting to be cleared by the Steelers medical staff. He has been out since Week 3 with a broken forearm.
Practicing fully Wednesday were tackle Marcus Gilbert (concussion), nose tackle Steve McLendon (shoulder), linebacker Ryan Shazier (knee) and safety Shamarko Thomas. Baring any setbacks, all four are expected to dress and play against the Ravens. With McLendon likely to return, rookie nose tackle Daniel McCullers might very well find himself back on the inactive list this week.
Gilbert missed the game this past Sunday with a concussion, while McLendon has missed the last two contests with a right shoulder injury. As for Thomas, who has been sidelined since Week 5 with an injured hamstring, his return is prefect timing being as Ventrone is expected to be out this week.
Defensive end Brett Keisel (not injury related), safety Mike Mitchell (not injury related) and safety Troy Polamalu (not injury related), as usual, were given a maintenance day off Wednesday.
