Promising Rookies among Four Steelers Returning from Injury

UNITY TWP., Pa. — The Pittsburgh Steelers got two of their most promising rookies back from injury for their training camp practice at St. Vincent College on Tuesday among four players that returned to action.

Rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and outside linebacker Nick Herbig both returned to action on Chuck Noll Field on Tuesday, as the Steelers started in earnest their preparations for their first preseason game at Tampa Bay on Friday. Veteran safety Damontae Kazee and second-year defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal also got back to work.

Porter suffered a left ankle injury and could not finish the team’s practice on Saturday, Aug. 5. He did not participate in practice on Sunday. The Steelers were off on Monday.

The team’s first of two second-round picks has been working between the first and second team at outside cornerback throughout training camp, and with veteran Patrick Peterson unlikely to see significant reps in the preseason opener against the Buccaneers, Porter should be in line for a lengthy workload on Friday night, if his recovery cooperates.

Herbig was also hurt in Saturday’s practice, suffering a right hip flexor injury. He also did not return on Saturday and then was held out of Sunday’s practice.

The fourth-round pick has been a very consistent contributor on the second team Steelers defense, working in behind T.J. Watt at left outside linebacker. The undersized Wisconsin product has drawn rave reviews for his quickness and pass-rush skillset.

Kazee suffered an ankle injury in the first week of training camp and has been slowly working his way to a return. Leal got his ankle rolled up in a drill last week. Several other Steelers remain sidelined with injuries, including two other safeties: Tre Norwood (lower leg) and Keanu Neal (undisclosed). Running back John Lovett (undisclosed) also remains out.

Head coach Mike Tomlin is expected to update the team’s injury situation after practice on Tuesday, and provide player availability for the first preseason game on Wednesday afternoon.