Steelers' Steve Nelson practices fully; Chris Boswell, Joe Haden, Robert Spillane do not

Cornerback Steve Nelson practiced fully Wednesday, indicating he is on track to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ lineup.

But kicker Chris Boswell, linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback Joe Haden each missed practice.

Nelson missed Monday’s game against Washington because of a knee injury. Boswell did not play in that game because of a hip injury, and Haden (concussion) and Spillane (knee) left the defeat before it ended.

Coach Mike Tomlin said during his weekly news conference Tuesday that Spillane would continue to be evaluated and that Haden would progress through NFL concussion protocol. Tomlin also said he was “hopeful” Boswell would be healthy enough to return for Sunday night’s game at the Buffalo Bills.

Tomlin elected to forgo a potential go-ahead 46-yard field goal attempt during the fourth quarter Monday because he did not want to put Matthew Wright into that position while making his NFL debut.

Cameron Sutton started Monday in place of Nelson, with Justin Layne backfilling in subpackages. If Haden is not cleared by Sunday, the same would apply against the Bills.

Acquired via trade last month, Avery Williamson would get the bulk of the playing time in Spillane’s place. Ulysees Gilbert, though, returned to practice Wednesday. Gilbert remains on injured reserve because of a back ailment and must be activated to the active roster within 21 days or be lost for the season.

Also listed on the injury report as not practicing for a reason of “illness” Wednesday was defensive lineman Chris Wormley. The Steelers signed a defensive lineman, Cassius Marsh, on Wednesday, which could indicate they expect Marsh to perhaps replace Wormley.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and starting veteran offensive linemen Alejandro Villanueva and David DeCastro all were given customary Wednesday off days.

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