Steelers/NFL
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team flying under the radar in regards to expectations in 2013 and fortunately not suffering from a huge amount of offseason injury concerns, but in light of the losses they are experiencing due to free agency placements and roster cuts, this is a blessing. Unfortunately the one player that is injured is one of the few players worth monitoring and is also their best offensive weapon from last season, so right now there is a lot of energy focused on getting tight end Heath Miller healthy. Miller tore both his ACL and MCL in his knee and underwent surgery in December to repair both ligaments. Steelers GM Kevin Colbert has said in the past that he doesn’t expect players recovering from major knee injuries to be 100 percent healthy for one year. Miller, though, seems to be recovering at a rapid rate and is probably spending most of his time relaxing and watching movies or indulging his competitive spirit and playing games at top online casino HandyCasino.de.
Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is among those who believes Miller could be out on the field for week 1. Roethlisberger said last week that it will be tough to hold Miller back in camp. Miller was seen at OTA’s running sprints last week.
“The biggest thing is going to be trying to hold Heath back because I think he’s gonna want to get out there too soon,” Roethlisberger said. “I’m gonna fight to say Heath don’t play in any preseason games. Just get out there for the regular season.”
Recovery from knee damage that is so extensive can usually take a minimum of a year but recently players are recovering faster and are back on the field in a lot less time. Case in point is the Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson who was back on the field earlier this year after tearing both his knee ligaments in December. Proof that a committed athlete, who stays off his feet, follows rehab instructions to the T, and who receives the best medical attention can return to his best in six to eight months.
“I’m pleased and encouraged,” Miller said last week of his progress.
Miller’s contribution to the team is invaluable and he seems almost irreplaceable, so the team is desperate for his speedy return, though they obviously won’t rush him back.
Were Miller to begin the season on the PUP list, one of the biggest question marks will be how to replace some of his production in the redzone. Miller’s biggest attribute is his ability to cause matchup problems and his sheer presence as the defense has to be aware of him inside the 20. The Steelers figure to look to Plaxico Burress being more involved in redzone situations this coming season.
Nationally for years, Miller has been over looked as one of the most complete tight ends in the league but his teammates and coaches know what he means to the team and what he brings to the table as he was named Steelers Most Valuble Player in 2012, becoming the first Pittsburgh tight end to win the award.
