Shazier Out, Zumwalt Returns, And Other Practice Participation Notes

The news on the injury front was mostly positive in Latrobe today. The Steelers got some guys back who have been out for a while. Mike Mitchell was activated from the PUP list, and LB Jordan Zumwalt returned for the first time since injuring his groin a week ago.

TE Rob Blanchflower also returned to practice today. The rookie tight end had suffered a high ankle sprain last week. I’m surprised he’s back so soon; that’s great news for him. LB Ryan Shazier was held out today for the knee injury he sustained yesterday. Hopefully that “little boo-boo”, as Tomlin put it yesterday, doesn’t keep him out for too long.

WR Darrius Heyward-Bey was out again today as he recovers from his concussion. C Maurkice Pouncey and CB Ike Taylor were both given maintenance days by Mike Tomlin. This is very unusual for Ike Taylor.

LB Jarvis Jones was out again today due to a groin injury. NT Steve McLendon was out for the third straight day. No specifics have been released about why McLendon has been out, but one reliable reporter said he had an illness.