Mike Hilton is primed to return to action on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons at Heinz Field, after missing last week's game with an elbow injury.

Hilton said he has worn a brace on the elbow in practice this week, during which he was a full participant all three days. He plans to wear the brace on Sunday as well.

"I feel pretty good," said Hilton. "The brace is really giving me extra protection. It's giving me the confidence to go out there and use my hands and be the physical player I know I am. I will be ready to go on Sunday.

"I just want to feel comfortable. I don't want to have any repeats of what happened two weeks ago. It's more just for my protection. Everybody is going to be a little hesitant (coming back from an injury), especially early in the game. Of course, as the game builds, the confidence gets higher. I just want to go in confident on Sunday and be myself. (The brace) lets me go full out and be who I am, the type of player I am. I am going to be confident going out there. I am sure at first I will be a little hesitant, but as the game goes on I will be more confident."

While Hilton is expected to play and not on the status report, there are several players who are.

Morgan Burnett missed practice for the second straight day with a groin injury. Burnett was limited on Wednesday, but then wasn't able to go the last two days. If Burnett can't go, look for Terrell Edmunds to start his third straight game at strong safety and his fourth overall this season.

Vince Williams, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Ravens on Sunday night, missed practice all week.

If Williams can't go against the Falcons, look for a trio of linebackers to take on the challenge, including Tyler Matakevich, L.J. Fort and Matthew Thomas.

"We know we are ready," said Matakevich. "All three of us have got to be ready to go in there and rotate and help this defense and help this team, (do) whatever we can do to get this 'W.'"

Darrius Heyward-Bey suffered an ankle injury against the Ravens and missed practice all week. In addition, Marcus Gilbert was added to the practice report on Thursday, sitting out with a knee injury, but was back to work on Friday.