Steelers Takeaways: Daniels Ready for Return, New Guy Fits In

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers guard James Daniels missed the team’s last two games with a groin injury, but he seems set to return to the lineup this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.

Daniels was listed as a full participant in the team’s practice on Wednesday, the first time he had done so during a game-week practice since the injury.

In the locker room after practice, Daniels spoke with the media only briefly. He said he needed to hit the training room, but felt good after the session, which included work in full pads.

The Steelers had an unusual level of continuity with their offensive line last season, with all five regulars starting all 17 games. That has already been disrupted this season. Daniels has missed two entire games and starting left tackle Dan Moore Jr. has missed all of one and most of another.

But the line appears to be returning to health. Moore was back as practice on Wednesday, as well, and while his return to his starting spot seems less certain, the team seemingly will have its five starters available to it this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.

PRESS LETS IT FLY

When the Steelers released punter Brad Wing before they set out for their bye week, it was assumed that meant that Pressley Harvin III would be able to return from his two-week absence.

Then Harvin said on Monday that he hadn’t even punted yet.

Well, that box has been checked. Harvin was letting it fly before practice on Wednesday, taking snaps from Christian Kuntz and booting punts to Calvin Austin III and Gunner Olszewski.

#Steelers punter Pressley Harvin said the other day he had yet to punt a football in his return from a hamstring injury.

He checked that box today. pic.twitter.com/Foz8LHct2I

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) October 18, 2023

HAPPY TO BE HERE

Darius Rush thought he was going to be a Steeler in April. The South Carolina product took a Top 30 draft visit to the Steel City and met with the Pittsburgh staff then. He thought they really liked his combination of size and speed and were looking to add that to their cornerbacks room.

Even after the Steelers drafted Joey Porter Jr. in the second round, the team was still seeking what Rush brings to the table.

But after the Steelers took outside linebacker Nick Herbig in the fourth round, the Indianapolis Colts snagged Rush six picks later. The Steelers picked Cory Trice out of Purdue in the seventh round instead.
Trice was lost for the season to a knee injury in training camp, and the Steelers have for all intents and purposes replaced him with the addition of Rush.

“I knew there was a lot of interest in terms of wanting me on their team,” Rush said. “I had a great interaction when I was here with the front office and the coaching staff. It’s all about timing. This is just one of those times where I’m able to be where I was wanted.”

BIG PRESENCE

Defensive tackle Cam Heyward still has a few weeks left in his projected eight-week absence after core muscle surgery. But the captain has remained a crucial part of the team, and was stretching and laughing with his teammates before practice on Wednesday.