Tight end Eric Ebron returned to Pittsburgh Steelers practice Thursday, but defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt remained out and kicker Chris Boswell was added to the injury report.

Ebron was listed as a full participant on the report for Thursday, an encouraging sign after he missed Wednesday’s practice and didn’t play during the second half of Monday’s loss in Cincinnati because of a back injury.

Injured players who remained out of practice for the second consecutive day included backup linebackers Ola Adeniyi (shoulder), Marcus Allen (stinger) and Ulysees Gilbert (ankle). If any of them does not take part in Friday’s Christmas Day practice, their status for Sunday’s home game against the Indianapolis Colts would be in peril.

Running back James Conner (quad) and guard Kevin Dotson (shoulder) appear on track to make a return Sunday after fully practicing for the second day. They missed the Bengals game.

Fullback Derek Watt also appears to be progressing through NFL concussion protocol after suffering his injury minutes into the loss to Cincinnati. Watt has practiced fully all week.

The most discouraging part of the injury report for the Steelers was Boswell was a Thursday addition because of a groin injury. Boswell missed a loss to Washington earlier this month because of a groin injury. Matthew Wright, who made all three kicks in that Dec. 7 defeat, remains on the Steelers practice squad and again would take Boswell’s place.

If Tuitt cannot play, the Steelers could turn to rookie Carlos Davis to serve as nose tackle with Tyson Alualu taking over Tuitt’s usual role. Isaiah Buggs also would likely return to the lineup after being a healthy scratch in recent weeks.

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