Pittsburgh Steelers TE Heath Miller inching toward return
By Jason Marcum
The Pittsburgh Steelers need tight end Heath Miller to return as soon as possible, and after earlier reports that the Pro Bowler might miss the first month of the 2013 NFL season, he’s saying that a return sooner than that isn’t out of the question:
"“Obviously I’m close,” said Miller. “It’s just a few more steps I’ve got to take. I’m feeling good.”"
The two-time Pro Bowler tore three ligaments in his right knee last December in home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals that knocked the Steelers out of the playoffs for only the second time in the Mike Tomlin-era in Pittsburgh. He called the move to get off the PUP list a step in the right direction, but left it up to Tomlin to make the final call when Miller can return to game action.
His importance to the Steelers’ offense cannot be overstated. Miller led the Steelers with 71 receptions and eight touchdowns last season, and without him, they’re left with second-year tight end David Paulson to start in Miller’s place.
Paulson is more of a receiving tight end, but his relative inexperience resulted in him getting little playing time last season, as he had just 316 total snaps last year.