PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers get some much-needed help at safety as Elijah Riley returned to practice ahead of the team’s Week 16 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Riley went on Injured Reserve in Week 12 due to an ankle injury. He now returns to the practice field, while remaining on IR, with a chance to be activated prior to the game this weekend.

The Steelers could use the added depth in their secondary. This week, they lost both Damontae Kazee and Minkah

Fitzpatrick, and are already without Keanu Neal. Backup Trenton Thompson is also dealing with a stinger

Kazee was suspended for the remainder of the season while Fitzpatrick has been ruled out for Week 16 due to a knee injury.

Riley has 14 games of experience with the Steelers since signing to their practice squad last season. He played in every game this year prior to his injury.

The Steelers now have 21 days to activate Riley from IR. If they do not, he will be shut down for the remainder of the season