Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller practiced fully for a third straight day on Friday and now we will wait and see if he is given the green light to make his season debut Sunday night against the Chicago Bears.
Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL Network reported Friday on Twitter that Miller said his knee responded well to practice this week and he will be evaluated Saturday. Miller, however, did warn that he shouldn’t be expected to be in mid season form if indeed he does play.
According to Scott Brown of ESPN.com, Miller indicated that he wants to play Sunday night but understands his input will only be part of what goes into the final decision.
For what it is worth, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported early Friday morning that Miller would indeed make his season debut against the Bears.
So, if indeed Miller does wind up playing, how many snaps should we expect out of him. Surely they will want to ease him into action, so I venture to guess the final number will come in under 50%. Keep in mind that Miller will more than likely be wearing a knee brace upon is return and that is something he will have to used to.
“Whenever I’m ready I think it’s unrealistic to think I’m going to come back in midseason form,” Miller said, according to Brown. “It will be a work in progress.”
Miller’s presence alone might at least help the team morale as the offense really seemed to deflate the moment center Maurkice Pouncey was carted off the field early in the season opener.
More than anything else, the Bears at least have to now have one more player that they will need to prepare for.
