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Steelers Injury Report: Marcus Gilbert expected to return to lineup in Week 15 vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Steelers' offensive line has performed well during the second half of the season, and it will get even better with the return of right tackle Marcus Gilbert.

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

After sitting out the previous two games, RT Marcus Gilbert appears poised to return Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

Mike Adams, Gilbert's replacement, has played well in a backup role as evidenced by helping pave the way to a 185-yard rushing day for Le'Veon Bell against the Bengals. Gilbert's return, however, could serve as a needed boost to a Steelers team seeking its first playoff appearance in three seasons.

Gilbert, a second-round pick in 2011 from the University of Florida, is part of a unit that has allowed 31 sacks this season, an improvement from years past. As the right tackle, Gilbert serves primarily in a run-blocking role, and has performed well as evidenced by Bell's 1,248 yards on the year. As a team, Pittsburgh is eighth in the NFL in rushing with 1,610 yards on the season.

In August, Gilbert was rewarded with a five year, $30 million contract. Gilbert, along with Markice Pouncey, David Decastro, and Kelvin Beachum make up one of the most promising young offensive lines in all of football.

Cornerback Ike Taylor didn't practice again this week, putting in question his availability for the team's Week 15 game. Cornerback William Gay and outside linebacker James Harrison returned to practice and center Maurkice Pouncey was limited. The team's full injury report will be made available later on Friday afternoon.