Aug 11, 2016 3 min read

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At the Steelers’ night practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium last Friday, I made a point of getting in close to watch tight end Ladarius Green work out with a team trainer.

Because Green is on the PUP list, reporters are not permitted to talk to him. And Mike Tomlin isn’t exactly all too forthcoming with injury information.

So I wanted to get in close to see how well he was moving because we typically can’t get that close at Saint Vincent College to the rehabbing players.

As Green went through his workout, I overheard the trainer tell him that his injured ankle was looking good and that it wouldn’t be long before he was ready to go.

Then, a couple of days ago, I began hearing rumblings that there had been some kind of setback. I assumed that meant with the ankle, but couldn’t nail anybody down to say it.

As it turns out, it’s headaches that some are connecting with a pair of concussions Green suffered last September while with the San Diego Chargers.

The headaches might very well be connected to the concussions. Green apparently dealt with them all last season. But, he also floated the idea that his issues were related to a sinus issue that had since been corrected when asked about them earlier this year. So which is it?

Maybe both. I believe that Green’s ankle injury is well enough for him to return to the field. But if he’s experiencing headaches, that is something the team obviously would have to take very seriously with a guy who has had multiple concussions in the past year.

The bottom line is that Green’s return to the field might take a little longer than expected. There’s also the train of thought the Steelers might release him as damaged goods and attempt to recoup his $4.5 million signing bonus.

Perhaps, but I don’t see that happening any more than I see Green retiring over this. Both have too much to lose for that to occur.

• So, who do I want to see in Friday’s preseason opener?

Anthony Chickillo is an easy choice. Is he a guy who the Steelers can count on moving forward, or is he going to see his production taper off as it did last year?

I also want to see Eli Rogers, though from what I saw of him in practice this week working against these same Lions, he looks legitimate.

Sammie Coates needs to have a bounce-back day. He’s looked pretty good throughout the offseason and camp catching the ball, but had trouble holding onto it Wednesday, dropping or having four passes knocked out of his hands.

Sean Davis and Montell Garner will have my attention in the secondary. Davis is going to make this team, but can he actually play in the slot?

And can Garner make some plays, either in the defense or on special teams?

Young linebackers Tyler Matakevich and Mike Reilly also have flashed ability, Matakevich on the inside and Reilly on the outside. They face long odds to make this roster, so special teams work will be key.

Daryl Richardson and Fitzgerald Toussaint should get plenty of chances to run the ball. Can one pull away from the other for the No. 3 running back spot?

Finally, I’ve seen some good things from 6-9 offensive tackle Brian Mihalik. Can he take that into a game?