Haden’s return could help Steelers vs. Pats
PITTSBURGH — Mike Tomlin is ready to talk about the New England Patriots.
The fact the Pittsburgh Steelers coach can include cornerback Joe Haden in the discussion is a bonus.
Haden will attempt to practice for the AFC North champions this week, barely a month removed from a fractured left leg that appeared to put his season in jeopardy.
While Tomlin will wait to make a decision on whether Haden will be available on Sunday when the Steelers (11-2) host the Patriots (10-3), the fact it’s even up for debate is promising.
The Steelers signed Haden on the eve of the regular season precisely for this situation. Tom Brady dominated Pittsburgh’s secondary in the AFC championship game 11 months ago, picking apart the Steelers’ zone defense while throwing for 384 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-17 romp that wasn’t even that close.
Tomlin and defensive coordinator Keith Butler made playing more man-to-man coverage a point of emphasis during the offseason and the Steelers had the second-ranked pass defense in the NFL before Haden left during the first half of a victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 11.
The results during Haden’s absence have been uneven at best, though it hasn’t stopped Pittsburgh from taking an eight-game winning streak into perhaps the most highly anticipated game of the regular season.
The Steelers clinched the division Sunday night with a 39-38 victory over Baltimore, meaning Haden will be heading to the playoffs for the first time in his career.
“Hopefully we’ll get him back into the land of competing so he can be back in the fold with us, but only if he’s ready.”
A little bit of Haden could go a long way against Brady, who is 7-2 against the Steelers with 24 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Packers’ Rodgers cleared to play
Aaron Rodgers has been “medically cleared to return” to action after missing seven games with a broken right collarbone, the Green Bay Packers quarterback announced on Instagram.
Rodgers was hurt during a loss to Minnesota on Oct. 15 and had surgery four days later. He returned to practice on Dec. 2 and is eligible to rejoin the 53-man roster on Friday, which means the two-time MVP could suit up for Green Bay’s game at Carolina on Sunday.
Kick return star Hester retires
Devin Hester, the spectacular speedster who holds the NFL record for kick return touchdowns with 20, announced his retirement on Tuesday. Hester played for Atlanta, Baltimore and Seattle, but his best years were with Chicago from 2006-13. He is the third-leading punt returner in NFL history and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2014.