The Steelers will be without cornerback Curtis Brown and nose tackle Steve McLendon this week when they take on the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night.
Brown suffered an ACL injury against the Browns and is out for the season, while McLendon is out this week with an ankle sprain.
Coach Mike Tomlin expects defensive end Brett Keisel (foot), linebacker LaMarr Woodley (calf) and safety Shamarko Thomas (ankle) to return to work this week in practice after all three have missed the last two games, and is hopeful of all three playing on Thursday night.
"What they are capable of doing here (Tuesday) is significant in determining that," said Tomlin. "We will see where the week takes us. Their participation and how their body responds to practice participation will be our guide in terms of roles and whether or not we allow those guys to participate at all."
Linebacker Stevenson Sylvester, who missed the Browns game with a hamstring injury, is further away from returning, but Tomlin did not rule him out for this week.
"We will monitor him and see if he is capable of working with an eye towards participation," said Tomlin.
Guard Ramon Foster (ankle) returned to action against the Browns after missing the previous week with an ankle injury, and Tomlin said he was "no worse for the wear."
