Steelers Injury Report: Shamarko Thomas to return vs. Ravens

Mike Tomlin held his weekly press conference Tuesday as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football at Heinz Field in Week 9 action. During the press conference, Tomlin outlined the injury status of several players heading into the game, the most notable injury update is on the return of safety Shamarko Thomas.

Thomas has been sidelined with a hamstring injury the past three weeks and, although working out on a limited basis in past weeks, Tomlin declared Thomas to be healthy enough to return to the lineup.

Ironically, Thomas' replacement Ross Ventrone suffered a hamstring injury in the Steelers' win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday and this leaves him sidelined at least for this week. As Tomlin put it, the two will 'exchange helmets'.

Other notable injury updates include nose tackle Steve McLendon (shoulder) beginning to work his way back as a potential player Sunday and Marcus Gilbert (concussion) who passed all of the appropriate protocols and could also be available on Sunday.

Gilbert's return will be one to watch, as the team saw backup tackle Mike Adams play extremely well against the Colts, in the process proving to be quality depth at a position where there wasn't thought to be any. Adams' play could result in increased snaps if Gilbert struggles at any point down the stretch.

The team will return to practice on Wednesday for the Sunday Night Football game against the Ravens at Heinz Field. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET.