Steelers' Ladarius Green: Says he wasn't limited practice return

Green (ankle) said he had no limitations in his Tuesday return to practice, Dave Lolley of the Washington Observer-Reporter reports.

Analysis:

Signed to a four-year, $20 million contract in March, the 26-year-old Green was expected to step in as an immediate replacement for Heath Miller. Instead, the young tight end took longer than expected to recover from ankle surgery, eventually landing on the Physically Unable to Perform list prior to the start of the season. Green practiced with his new teammates for the first time Tuesday, opening a 21-day window in which the Steelers can either activate him to the 53-man roster or rule him out for the rest of the season. The first outcome seems far more likely even though Green's initial optimism after Tuesday's practice shouldn't carry too much weight. With the team currently in its bye week, Green may be targeting his Steelers debut in Week 9 against the Ravens. His practice participation next week could be the determining factor.