Steelers Injury Report: Ryan Shazier returns to the practice field

Pittsburgh Steelers 1st-round draft pick Ryan Shazier returned to the practice field today in a limited capacity for the first time since spraining his knee in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers, when outside linebacker Jason Worilds rolled into his knee after making a tackle.

Although Shazier's return to practice is a positive sign, it's still doubtful he suits up Sunday when the team travels to play the Cleveland Browns. But his return to practice could bode well for his return to the lineup the following week when the Steelers host the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football at Heinz Field.

Second-year safety Shamarko Thomas missed his second consecutive practice with a hamstring injury, making his participation in the game Sunday extremely doubtful. Also missing practice was Ike Taylor (broken arm) and Troy Polamalu (non injury-related).

As for the Steelers' opponent this week, the Browns have some major injury concerns heading into this AFC North game.

Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden missed practice for the second day (hip), making his availability for the game up in the air. Also missing practice were defensive end Billy Winn (quad) and Paul Kruger (back) who was just named on the team's injury report Thursday.

The Browns are already without defensive end Phil Taylor who had a knee scope earlier this week and will be out of the lineup for several weeks.

Some key injuries on both teams' rosters will make this matchup even more intriguing heading into Sunday.