While it’s looking like the Pittsburgh Steelers might get cornerback Ike Taylor, safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker Ryan Shazier back on the field for their post-bye week game at home against the New Orleans Saints, it sounds like nose tackle Steve McLendon still might not be ready to return from the shoulder injury that has forced him to miss three games so far this season.
During a Wednesday interview with David Todd on ESPN 970 Radio, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette gave an update on McLendon after having talked to him on Tuesday.
“I talked to Mclendon yesterday. He wasn’t so sure he’ll be able to come back [for the New Orleans game], so that’s something to watch,” said Fittipaldo.
McLendon also told Fittipaldo that he still isn’t sure whether or not he’ll ultimately need surgery on his injured right shoulder after the season is over.
“Clearly it’s a lingering issue,” Fittipaldo added.
If indeed McLendon is unable to play against the Saints a week from this coming Sunday, the Steelers will more than likely have to rotate Cam Thomas and rookie Daniel McCullers again at nose tackle in the base defense just like they did in the win Monday night over the Tennessee Titans.
While McCullers did make his first career start against the Titans, he only played a total of 13 snaps with very few coming in the second half.
As for McLendon, the Steelers really need him back healthy as soon as possible, so we can only hope that he’ll be able to overcome his shoulder injury with some extended rest.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will likely update McLendon’s condition during his next press conference which should take place on Tuesday of next week.
