Injury news good for change as off week comes in handy
Steelers offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert expects to return to the starting lineup after the off week, and he has a pretty good feeling that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger might be able to join him.
Roethlisberger was at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex Monday afternoon. He declined to speak with reporters, but there are signs that he’s progressing well from the surgery on his left knee that took place one week ago.
Roethlisberger was walking without a limp Monday, and he jogged onto the field Sunday afternoon shortly before the players were introduced at Heinz Field.
“He’s been looking good,” Gilbert said. “To see him walking around with a little pep to his step, it’s really encouraging. We’re going to see how next week goes and see how he’s progressing. For me, I’m saying take as much time to get 100 percent healthy and come back right so you don’t have any setbacks. Whenever he’s ready, I’m sure he’ll be out there because we need him.”
Gilbert injured his ankle against Kansas City and missed the past three games. The Steelers do not play Sunday, but Gilbert is expecting to return for the Nov. 6 game against Baltimore.
“It feels a lot better today,” Gilbert said. “I was hoping to be back out there last week, but it just didn’t respond the way I wanted.”
Gilbert’s status wasn’t the only good injury news of the day.
Defensive end Cam Heyward, who missed the past two games, also is targeting a return against Baltimore. Heyward injured his hamstring against the New York Jets and did not dress against Miami or New England.
“That’s the goal,” Heyward said. “We got an extra week this week and, hopefully, I can try to get my conditioning back, my cardio and keep progressing the right way.”
Heyward had a high ankle sprain in a preseason game at New Orleans before he injured his hamstring. He said the off time has been good for his ankle, too, but the hamstring is the only thing preventing him from playing.
“The ankle is doing great,” Heyward said. “Now I just have to worry about this hamstring, but I feel like I have one good day and take a step back the next. I have to be smart and keep progressing.
“The main thing is I have to work on my conditioning now and try to make sure I’m back as soon as possible. We just have to take it day by day. I have to make sure I push myself to an extent I’m ready to go by the time we get back.”
Receiver Markus Wheaton, who has missed four of the first seven games due to a shoulder injury, also said he expects to be back in practice after the off week. He tried to come back to play against the Jets, but he aggravated the injury and ended up missing the past two games as a result.
Wheaton has just four catches for 51 yards this season.
“Anytime you take steps backward it’s frustrating,” Wheaton said.
The timing of the off week for the Steelers probably couldn’t get any better. A few other players who are dealing with less severe injuries have a chance to get healthier as well.
“It’s a great time for the bye,” Wheaton said. “It’s perfect timing for us.”
Green hopes to practice
Tight end Ladarius Green, medically cleared to return to practice last week, still is waiting for clearance from coach Mike Tomlin.
Green said Monday he expected to speak with Tomlin about the possibility of practicing this week. The Steelers practice today and Wednesday before a mandatory four-day break during the off week.
“He knows I want to be out there, but it’s up to him to decide whatever is best for the team,” Green said. “He’ll make the right decision.”
Green was the Steelers’ big free-agent acquisition of the offseason. He signed a four-year, $20 million deal in March to replace the retired Heath Miller, but he has never practiced with the Steelers due to ankle and head injuries.
If Green practices today, he’d have six full practices before the Ravens game.
“It’ll help out a lot,” Green said. “It’ll get me out there with the quarterbacks. I haven’t caught a pass from them yet, so that’ll b a good thing.
“It’ll be nice to get some practice under my belt.”