DE Stephon Tuitt returns to practice for Steelers, is expected to play against Colts

After missing two days of practice this week with a back injury, defensive end Stephon Tuitt returned Friday and is expected to play Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field.

The Steelers (11-3) will try to halt a three-game losing streak and clinch the AFC North title in their game against the Colts (10-4), who are tied for the lead in the AFC South.

Inside linebacker Ulysees Gilbert, who primarily plays special teams, was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. It is the second time this season that Gilbert has landed on IR, and this one likely will end his season.

The Steelers have listed four players as questionable to play Sunday:

• Safety/linebacker Marcus Allen missed his third day of practice this week with a stinger. He started the past two weeks while Vince Williams was on the reserve/covid-19 list. Williams was activated Wednesday. Starters Avery Williamson and Williams are the only healthy inside linebackers on the 53-man roster, although Tegray Scales could be promoted from the practice squad.

• Kicker Chris Boswell did not practice Friday because of a groin injury that limited him the previous day. If Boswell can’t kick, the Steelers will promote Matthew Wright from the practice squad. Wright replaced Boswell earlier this month against Washington.

• Rookie running back Anthony McFarland, who was a healthy scratch two weeks ago against Buffalo, did not practice Friday because of an illness.

• Outside linebacker Ola Adeniyi was limited in practice Friday because of a shoulder injury. He missed the previous two days.

Players cleared to go for the game Sunday are running back James Conner (quad), fullback Derek Watt (concussion), guard Kevin Dotson (shoulder) and tight end Eric Ebron (back).