The Steelers got healthier at practice on Thursday, but are still missing a pair of key starters as they near their Week 9 meeting with the Indianapolis Colts.
Guard Ramon Foster and running back James Conner both missed practice on Thursday, as did third-string back Benny Snell.
Snell is expected to miss multiple weeks after undergoing knee surgery. Tomlin left a possibility for Conner to play without a full week of practice, but he would almost certainly need to participate on Friday to have a chance to play on Sunday.
Foster remains in the league’s concussion protocol without a timeframe for returning.
But the team did get some good news on Thursday, particularly along the offensive line, with Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey (calf) returning to action. Covering two missing interior lineman would have been a strain, but with Pouncey back, reliable backup B.J. Finney should be able to handle Foster’s absence.
In the backfield, Jaylen Samuels was a full participant for the second straight day and seems ready to start should Conner be unable to play. Trey Edmunds will serve as a backup.
Also returning to full action on Thursday were backup nose tackle Dan McCullers (ankle) and inside linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III (back).