Steelers’ defense getting healthy
PITTSBURGH – The Steelers’ defense has done a good job of keeping the team doctors busy.
But that might be changing.
Five injured defensive starters returned to the field Monday as the Steelers held their first practice following their bye week. Included in that group was cornerback Ike Taylor, who has not played since suffering a fractured forearm in a Sept. 21 win at Carolina.
Taylor, who was practicing on a limited basis for the past month, was given clearance by team doctors Monday to return to full contact.
“It feels good,” said Taylor. “Doc gave me the green light, so it’s all good. He’s been revving me up at the yellow. I got the green, so no speed limit.”
Also back were strong safety Troy Polamalu, nose tackle Steve McLendon, rookie inside linebacker Ryan Shazier and outside linebacker Jarvis Jones.
Jones, who suffered a dislocation and ligament damage in his wrist in the game at Carolina, was on the injured reserve/designated to return list. The Steelers have three weeks to decide whether to activate him or place him on season-ending injured reserve.
“It was fun just seeing everyone out there again healthy,” said Jones of returning to practice for the first time since his injury. “It’s a terrible feeling to be hurt and have to sit and watch from the sideline. You can’t help your teammates.
“Everybody’s back now. I’m glad to be a part of it.”
How much playing time those injured players see on remains to be seen. But getting just one back could be a boost to a defense ranked 15th in the league and is allowing just under 24 points per game.
“We have some guys coming back, so it’s good,” said linebacker Lawrence Timmons. “We won’t know for sure how they’ll fit in until we get some pads on (Wednesday), but it’s good.”
Polamalu, Shazier and McLendon would seem to be the easiest to assimilate back into the defense.
Polamalu (knee) and Shazier (ankle) missed the past two games, while McLendon missed three of the past five games while dealing with a nagging shoulder injury.
“It really helps with the depth,” said Shazier, the Steelers’ top draft pick this year. “It keeps fresh bodies out there.”
That was an issue at times.
With so many starters injured on defense, the Steelers were forced to improvise with their lineup.
The Steelers talked linebacker James Harrison out of retirement following the injury to Jones. Sean Spence and Vince Williams rotated at inside linebacker in place of Shazier. Cam Thomas and rookie Daniel McCullers each started at nose tackle in place of McLendon. Nickel cornerback William Gay moved to the outside in place of Taylor, with Brice McCain playing the slot and then moving into the starting lineup when Cortez Allen was benched. That opened the door for Antwon Blake as the nickel back.
At 7-4, the Steelers managed to stay in the middle of the AFC playoff race. With five crucial games remaining, starting with Sunday’s game at Heinz Field against New Orleans, every healthy body will help.
“It’s the perfect time to come back,” Taylor said. “I tried to be the best cheerleader. Seeing the young guys come up and make plays and doing what they need to do, it’s been exciting. To get out there with them, I feel great.”
The Steelers and Carolina Panthers were the final teams in the NFL to have a bye week. … The Steelers are tied for the league lead with Houston, Green Bay and Tampa Bay for the most interceptions returned for touchdowns (3).