Steelers kicker Chris Boswell returned to practice in a full capacity on Thursday, giving cause to believe that the veteran kicker will be able to return to the lineup on Sunday after missing the Steelers’ last game against Washington.
Boswell suffered a hip injury late in the week leading up to the Washington game and did not dress after being initially listed as questionable and then downgraded to doubtful.
Recent practice squad addition Matthew Wright was called up as Boswell’s replacement and in his NFL debut, made his only field goal attempt and both extra points. But head coach Mike Tomlin chose not to test Wright with a 45-yard attempt late in the fourth quarter, instead choosing to go for it on 4th and 1. The Steelers were unable to convert, and Washington scored to take the lead for good.
Boswell has been excellent on field goals this season, converting 18 of 19 for a career-best 94.7% success rate while also setting a Steelers record with a 59-yard field goal on Nov. 8 at Dallas.
Boswell did not practice during the team’s first session of the week on Wednesday, but was a full participant on Thursday and should be considered likely to play against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday unless he suffers a setback.
Cornerback Steven Nelson, who missed the Washington game with a knee injury, was a full participant for a second consecutive day.
Cornerback Joe Haden (concussion) and linebacker Robert Spillane (knee) missed their second straight session after being injured against Washington.
Wide receiver Chase Claypool was added to the injury report. He did not practice on Thursday with an illness. Defensive lineman Chris Wormley, who missed Wednesday’s practice with an illness, returned to action.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and offensive linemen David DeCastro and Alejandro Villanueva returned to work after being given Wednesday off.