Left guard Matt Feiler and inside linebacker Robert Spillane returned to practice Wednesday for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the first step toward their potential return Sunday night against the Cleveland Browns in an AFC wild-card game.

Feiler and Spillane remain on injured reserve, and the Steelers have 21 days to activate them to the 53-man roster.

While they returned to practice, two starters were absent with injuries. Inside linebacker Vince Williams sat with a quadriceps injury, and nose tackle Tyson Alualu did not practice because of an ankle injury. Neither player was mentioned on coach Mike Tomlin’s injury list Tuesday.

In addition, cornerback Steve Nelson was limited in practice because of a knee injury, and kicker Chris Boswell was limited because of a groin injury that kept him out the past two games. Safety Terrell Edmunds, who did not play against Cleveland in the regular-season finale with a shoulder injury, returned to practice and was a full participant.

Spillane has missed the past four games with a knee injury, and Feiler sat out the final three games of the regular season with a pectoral injury.

On Tuesday, Tomlin wouldn’t speculate on whether Feiler would return to his starting spot at left guard. Rookie Kevin Dotson has started in Feiler’s place.

Avery Williams started in place of Spillane, who moved into the starting lineup in October after Devin Bush was lost to a season-ending knee injury.

The practice Wednesday was the first for the Steelers as they prepare for their playoff opener Sunday against the Browns at 8:15 p.m.

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