Mike Tomlin Unsure about Potential Stephon Tuitt Return after Bye: ‘I Do Not Have the Answer’

PITTSBURGH — As the Pittsburgh Steelers enter their bye week, one of the team’s focuses will be on getting healthy.

The Steelers have had a huge number of minor and nagging injuries and players like Devin Bush (groin), Chase Claypool (hamstring), Carlos Davis (knee), Dan Moore Jr. (hip) and James Washington (groin) will utilize the off week to get back to something more approximating full health.

Other players, like right tackle Zach Banner, who was activated from injured reserve on Saturday, and running back Anthony McFarland, who will need to be activated in the next week, seem ready to return after missing the first part of the season.

However, one player whose status remains completely unclear is defensive end Stephon Tuitt, and head coach Mike Tomlin’s update on Tuesday did not provide much clarity.

“He’s still on IR and working hard and making progress,” Tomlin said. “How close he is to returning to play? I do not have the answer to that as I stand here right now.”

Tuitt has been seen more during the open portion of Steelers practice in recent weeks, but it’s unclear if that means a return practice is near. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler was similar vague about Tuitt’s potential return after the Steelers’ bye week.

“I don’t know,” Butler said. “You’re asking the wrong guy. I wish he was here yesterday. I’m more in favor of him having health, too. So, we’ll see.”