The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Baltimore Ravens Sunday in a key AFC North matchup and it looks like the team will get several key players back this week from injury.
During his Tuesday press conference, head coach Mike Tomlin said he expects safety Shamarko Thomas (hamstring) to return this week from the hamstring injury that he suffered back in Week 5.
Thomas’ return Sunday will be timely as Tomlin believes backup safety Ross Ventrone (hamstring) will be out this week with a hamstring injury that he suffered Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
“They’ll exchange helmets, if you will,” said Tomlin. “Ross is probably out and Shamarko is probably in.”
Tomlin said that nose tackle Steve McLendon (shoulder) could return this week as well. McLendon has missed the last to games with a right shoulder sprain.
Tackle Marcus Gilbert (concussion) who missed the game Sunday against the Colts with a concussion, is expected to participate this week in practice without any restrictions. Tomlin said that if Gilbert is ready for Sunday night he will play.
“He’s kind of gone through the concussion protocol and we’re ready to go with that,” said Tomlin of Gilbert.
Veteran cornerback Ike Taylor (forearm) is continuing to work his way back and he’ll continue to work on a limited basis until he is fully cleared by the doctors. There still is no timetable for Taylor’s return, however.
