Steelers Injury Report: Marcus Gilbert injury could lead to a Mike Adams start at RT

The Pittsburgh Steelers dominated the line of scrimmage against the Tennessee Titans in Week 11. As the team prepares for the New Orleans Saints, who rank 23rd in the NFL against the run, they might be doing so with backup Mike Adams at right tackle.

Starting tackle Marcus Gilbert suffered an ankle injury in practice Wednesday which forced him to miss practice Thursday. If Gilbert's ankle is not able to withstand the pressure of a NFL game, Adams would get his second start of the 2014 season.

Adams started against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8, and played extremely well in the Steelers' 51-34 victory.

"You have to be ready when your name is called, and that's the plan," Adams told Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "If you aren't ready, then you are doing a disservice to the team and letting everybody down."

Outside of Gilbert's ankle injury, the Steelers still plan on getting some crucial parts of their defense back on the field Sunday.

Rookie wide receiver Martavis Bryant (illness), Brett Keisel (non-injury related) and Heath Miller (non-injury related) all returned to practice Thursday. Troy Polamalu (non-injury related) remained out of practice Thursday but is still expected to start Sunday.

Cortez Allen (thumb), Steve McLendon (shoulder) and Ryan Shazier (ankle) were all limited in Thursday's practice. Friday's practice will determine players' status leading up to the 1 p.m. kickoff at Heinz Field Sunday.