Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski was one of five players placed on the PUP list by the team for the start of training because of an issue with his throwing shoulder. While the injury has hampered Gradkowski for most of the offseason practices, it doesn’t sound overly serious. With that said, it appears as though the veteran backup might be watching several training camp practices before being cleared to return by the team doctors.
According to Jacob Klinger of pennlive.com, Gradkowski said Monday that his estimated time of return is a “couple of weeks.”
Gradkowski's ETA: "couple weeks" #steelers @pennlive
— Jacob Klinger (@Jacob_Klinger_) July 27, 2015
It’s important to remember that the Steelers reported to training camp a week earlier this year so there’s no need to rush Gradkowski back. Additionally, backup quarterbacks Landry Jones and Tajh Boyd could really use the extra reps early on in camp and the preseason.
Being as starter Ben Roethlisberger will more than likely only play one series in the preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings in the annual Hall of Fame game, we can probably look forward to Jones and Boyd playing most of that game. I would look for Gradkowski to be back in time for the Steelers third preseason game.
Gradkowski signed with the Steelers in 2013 after spending the previous two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. After failing to play a single snap in his first year in Pittsburgh, Gradkowski played 10 snaps last season with three of those coming in the playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
