Tight end Eric Ebron and defensive lineman Carlos Davis did not practice for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday because of injury, but linebacker Robert Spillane returned to work.
Spillane suffered a shin injury during warm-ups for Sunday’s game at the Buffalo Bills. That prevented him from playing and also kept him out of practice Wednesday. Presuming there is no setback Friday, Spillane figures to be on track to make his season debut as a reserve inside linebacker in the Steelers’ home opener Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The statuses of Ebron and Davis, however, are murkier. The co-starter at tight end with rookie Pat Freiermuth, Ebron was a new add Thursday to the league-mandated injury report. He was listed with a hamstring ailment.
Davis, who has a knee injury, was downgraded to a “did not practice” designation after he had been termed a limited participant in Wednesday’s session. A second-year player, Davis is serving as the Steelers’ No. 4 defensive lineman while Stephon Tuitt is on injured reserve. Davis played in 20% of the defensive snaps in Sunday’s 23-16 win against the Bills, recording one tackle.
Ebron had one catch for 19 yards in the game.
If Davis cannot play Sunday, either rookie Isaiahh Loudermilk or practice-squad defensive lineman Henry Mondeaux likely would replace him in the lineup. If Ebron is unable to play, the Steelers could elect to activate just two tight ends (Freiermuth and Zach Gentry) as they have typically have at times. Kevin Rader is a tight end on the practice squad.
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