Malik Harrison, Trey Sermon return, Lew Nichols to make NFL debut for Steelers vs. Colts

For the first time since September, Malik Harrison and Trey Sermon on Sunday were in uniform for the start of a Pittsburgh Steelers game.

For Sunday’s home game against the Indianapolis Colts, Harrison returned after a six-game absence because of a knee injury and Sermon was announced as a practice-squad elevation for the first time since Week 3.

Harrison is a run-stopping inside linebacker the Steelers signed to a two-year, $10 million contract as a free agent in March.

Set to make his NFL debut was Lew Nichols, a running back who remains on the practice squad but was elevated to the gameday roster Sunday.

While Sermon and Nichols are running backs by trade, it is more likely each is primarily being summoned to fil in on special teams. That unit has lost captain Miles Klilebrew to a season-ending injury and also is without Chuck Clark (illness), Jabrill Peppers (quadriceps) and Cole Holcomb (illness).

The absences of safeties Clark and Peppers also affects the defense, resulting in the expected move of Jalen Ramsey to safety fulltime for Sunday’s game. Also, Kyle Dugger is expected to start three days after joining the Steelers via a trade from the New England Patriots.

Also missing Sunday’s game because of injury for the Steelers was receiver Scotty Miller (finger). The Steelers’ healthy scratches were offensive lineman Andrus Peat and defensive lineman Logan Lee.

Colts inactives

Indianapolis announced it would be without injured receiver Anthony Gould (knee) and injured veteran reserve defensive linemen Samson Ebukam (knee) and Tyquan Lewis (groin).

Gould typically handles the Colts’ punt and kick return duties.

The Colts’ healthy scratches were running back DJ Giddens, safety Reuben Lowery, offensive tackle Luke Tenuta and tight end Will Mallory.