We’ll find out Saturday if Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Ladarius Green will make his 2016 debut Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys as that’s when he’ll need to be activated to the team’s 53-man roster from the Reserve/PUP list. On Thursday, Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley was asked about Green during his weekly session with the media.
“He’s here for a reason,” Haley said of Green. “We’re excited to have him out there finally. I know he’s excited to be out there, but he’s still got to finish up the week and again, that will be one of those that comes down to Coach [Tomlin] at the end of the week – what he decides to do. But as far as out here, he’s here for a reason and you see some of those things.”
Later during his media session, Haley was asked if Green has the offensive playbook down now.
“Mentally, I’ve got to hand it to him,” replied Haley. “Sometimes when you’re not actively involved, it’s hard to mentally stay focused. But from day-one of training camp, Ladarius, from a mental standpoint, has been very an exciting player because like I said, you don’t see it very often. It’s just hard to do to stay focused consistently for that length of time that he’s been out. So, the mental side of it has been easy.”
With wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey likely out this week and fellow wide receiver Markus Wheaton still battling a shoulder injury, the Steelers offense certainly could use Green Sunday against the Cowboys. While Green probably wouldn’t play all the offensive snaps should he ultimately suit up and make his debut, even limited snaps could help and especially when it comes to him potentially exploiting the middle of the field.
Being as Green isn’t yet on the 53-man roster, the Steelers are not required to include him on their daily injury report. So, keep your fingers crossed and we’ll see what ultimately transpires on Saturday.
