Steelers Now
Defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk returned to practice for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, the team announced, opening the door for him to return from the injured reserve list this season.
Loudermilk remains on the Steelers’ injured reserve list for now. The team has 21 days to evaluate whether or not to bring him back, which would take the club past the AFC Championship Game. He can be activated at any time.
Loudermilk has been out of action since suffering a serious ankle injury that required surgery in Week 2 against the New England Patriots.
The Steelers’ defensive line depth has been tested this season with the entire preseason second squad — Loudermilk, Dean Lowry and Daniel Ekuale — all spending significant time on the injured reserve list. Lowry missed the whole season with a training camp injury and Ekuale suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8.
With that group all injured, fifth-round rookie Yahya Black, 2024 sixth-round pick Logan Lee and free agent addition Esezi Otomewo have filled in admirably.
Originally the Steelers’ fifth-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, Loudermilk is in his fifth season with the team, having played in 60 games and made seven starts. Getting him back into the fold could improve the team’s defensive line depth in the playoffs.
The Steelers have many injured reserve-return slots remaining, and received two additional slots for making it to the postseason. They would need to clear a space on the 53-man roster to bring Loudermilk back.
Other Steelers on the injured reserve list who have not been definitely ruled out for the season include offensive lineman Calvin Anderson, strong safety DeShon Elliott and tight end Darnell Washington.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Injured Steelers Defender Returns to Practice from IR
