Steelers Injury Report: Mike Mitchell limited with groin injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers are returning to full health with the return of nose tackle Steve McLendon (shoulder) and Marcus Gilbert (concussion) to their regular positions. What wasn't expected was Mike Mitchell's name being added to the team's injury report on Thursday.

Mitchell was a limited participant in practice on Thursday with a groin injury. It wasn't divulged whether this was the same groin injury that plagued Mitchell prior to the start of training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA this summer or whether it's a new injury.

Mitchell's availability most likely will be determined by his participation in Friday's practice. If Mitchell is unable to play Sunday, Dick LeBeau would be able to play either Shamarko Thomas or Will Allen in that safety position alongside Troy Polamalu.

Other notable players missing practice were Brett Keisel (not injury related), Heath Miller (not injury related), Troy Polamalu (not injury related) and Ross Ventrone (hamstring). Ike Taylor (broken arm) has continued to work his way back into playing shape until being fully cleared for contact after breaking his arm in the Steelers' Week 3 win over the Carolina Panthers.

The Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football at Heinz Field, kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET. Both sitting at 5-3 on the season, the winner could vault into first place in the AFC North if Jacksonville is able to pull off an upset of the 4-2-1 Bengals.