Le’Veon Bell told media this morning that he will return to practice today. Bell, who missed practice yesterday, told reporters that his absence from Saturday’s practice was just “precautionary”. Bell was one of several players who missed part or all of yesterday’s practice.
Here is a breakdown of the injuries and players who didn’t participate during today’s practice. Coach Tomlin didn’t provide any details or list the players who missed practice today, but these are the players who were listed through various reports.
Le’Veon Bell, Matt Spaeth, Brett Keisel, Jarvis Jones, Adrian Robinson, and Jason Worilds all did not practice today.
Le’Veon Bell had a wrap on his left knee. He reportedly bruised it while running into another player at practice on Friday.
Matt Spaeth told reporters that he had his right knee drained on Friday, and said it was ‘no big deal’.
Brett Keisel said he was out on a vet vacation day. Jarvis Jones was out and the reason was undisclosed.
Adrian Robinson had his right knee wrapped. Jason Worilds was out again nursing his toe injury.
Ed Bouchette also mentioned Lawrence Timmons and Steve McLendon among the players who did not practice today.
In addition to those mentioned, Ben and Redman did not participate in the goal line drills today. Ben reportedly had his knee wrapped towards the latter part of practice.
CB Terry Hawthorne still out with his injured knee, but he was said to be able to jog around.
The Steelers have signed veteran Tackle D’Anthony Batiste today and placed Offensive Lineman Nik Embernate on the Waived/Injured list. Embernate tore his ACL and MCL in practice on Thursday, so this move comes as no surprise. Embernate will go on the waiver wire, and if no team claims him (the odds of being claimed are little to none), then the Steelers will then be able to place him on IR, or work out an injury settlement. While on IR, he will not count towards the 90 man roster.
Batiste, who was scheduled for a workout, started 10 games for the Cardinals last season. He was rated last out of the available free agent Tackles by ProFootballFocus earlier this year.
Nik Embernate, who was injured during yesterday’s practice, is reported to have torn his ACL and MCL. No surgery date has been given yet, but it’s safe to say that Embernate will not be playing this season. This is a very tough break for a kid who was getting second team reps at left Guard. Nicknamed “Embernasty” for his mean disposition, Nik was a fan favorite to make the squad.
Cotez Allen had minor surgery on his right knee this morning, and will miss at least a couple weeks. In a release earlier today, Mike Tomlin also said:
“We wanted him to get the surgery done now so he can begin rehabilitating immediately. This surgery was a minor procedure and will have no long-term effects on his return to the field. We look forward to his rehabilitation process and having him back on the field in a couple of weeks.”
William Gay will cover the left corner spot until Allen is able to return. Curtis Brown says he looks forward to getting the extra reps while Allen is sidelined, and I’d wager Josh Victorian feels the same way.
The Steelers signed CB Buddy Jackson off the waiver wire yesterday, in an effort to add depth to the secondary.