Steelers' Ladarius Green: Reportedly "doing great" in recovery

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Green (ankle) is "doing great", Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis:

Green has been one of the 2016 season's true mysteries, with the Steelers typically only discussing him publicly in evasive fashion, and the tight end doing an excellent job avoiding the media in his own right. At last check in mid- to late September, the 26-year-old Green said he expected to return when first eligible for Week 7 against the Patriots. It's unclear if that remains the expectation, and it's possible there won't be any hints until he starts to practice (or doesn't) next week. If he eventually returns and gets back to full strength, Green would add yet another dimension to an already potent Pittsburgh passing game. However, his targets might be tougher to come by than anticipated during the offseason, as Sammie Coates has emerged as a more than capable replacement for Martavis Bryant (suspension). Jesse James, the fill-in starter at tight end, only has 26 targets through five games, despite playing 96 percent of the team's offensive snaps. Green would likely start off with a much smaller snap count, especially given that James has been reasonably productive on a per-target basis, catching 18 passes for 128 yards and (most notably) three touchdowns.