Shamarko Thomas Injury: Safety misses practice Friday and could miss Texans game

The Pittsburgh Steelers' injury report didn't get any clearer Friday as the team saw second-year safety Shamarko Thomas sit out of practice with a hamstring injury that kept him out against the Cleveland Browns in Week 6.

The Steelers were hoping to have Thomas back in the lineup to help bolster special teams play, as well as to fill in as backup safety in case Mike Mitchell is unable to play vs. the Houston Texans Monday night.

Mitchell (knee), Brett Keisel (knee), and Ryan Shazier (knee) were all limited in practice Friday and the team's Saturday practice will be the true sign of whether those limited in practice will be able to participate fully and be available Monday.

Shazier looks doubtful to be able to suit up and, although working his way back into the practice rotation, the rookie from Ohio State looks to be eyeing the Steelers game at Heinz Field in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts as his more probable return to the lineup.

With Ike Taylor (broken arm) and Steve McLendon (shoulder) already ruled out this week, and Brett Keisel's status up in the air, the Steelers' defensive line could be a mixture of rookies vs. the Texans.

Stephon Tuitt will see increased playing time with McLendon's injury pushing Cam Thomas to nose tackle, and that switch will most likely bring the debut of rookie nose tackle Daniel McCullers.

The final injury report will be released by the team following the team's final practice Saturday before they host the Texans on Monday Night Football.