The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed tight end Ladarius Green on the physically unable to perform list, keeping him from practicing or playing until after the sixth week of the regular season — at the earliest. He has until Week 11 to be healthy enough to be activated.
Green, a former San Diego Charger, was brought on to fill a hole at tight end, largely due to the retirement of former Steeler Heath Miller. Green signed a four-year, $20 million free agent deal in March.
His move to the PUP list doesn’t come as much of a surprise, as the 26-year-old hasn’t been able to participate in the team’s workouts. Green was unable to practice this spring due to ankle surgery, but it’s recurring headaches that have him on the PUP list.
Green’s move to the PUP means second-year man Jesse James will be Pittsburgh’s starting tight end. Last year, James had eight catches for 56 yards (a 7.0 average per catch) and one touchdown. Rounding out the depth chart will likely be David Johnson — who was drafted by the Steelers and played in Pittsburgh until 2013 and who returned in 2016 after a stint with the Chargers — and Xavier Grimble, who spent last year on the Steelers’ practice squad.
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