At long last, Steelers TE Ladarius Green set to return to practice

After spending the nearly two months on the physically unable to perform list, tight end Ladarius Green is set to finally return to practice.

Green, who signed a four-year deal worth $20 million with the Steelers in the offseason, was dealing with an ankle injury throughout the summer that held him out of training camp. Rumors also circulated Green was dealing with headaches and issues stemming from prior concussions, but the Steelers dismissed that speculation. The Steelers will attempt to get Green acclimated during the bye week.

“Everything is getting better,” Green said, according to the team’s website. “Everything is progressing.”

Green was signed by Pittsburgh after the athletic tight end spent four seasons playing behind legendary tight end Antonio Gates in San Diego. Last season, Green achieved career highs in receptions (37), receiving yards (429) and touchdowns (4). He was brought in by the Steelers to be the featured tight end for the first time in his career and replace Steelers legend Heath Miller.

It’s important to note Pittsburgh has not activated Green to the 53-man roster yet. The team will get 21 days after Green’s first practice to determine whether to activate him or keep in on the PUP list for the remainder of the season.

If all goes well, Green could become an important weapon in Pittsburgh’s explosive passing game. He has to stay healthy for that potential to materialize, however.