Report: Steelers could see return of DeAngelo Williams sooner than later

The Pittsburgh Steelers are thin at a lot of positions, and with veteran running back DeAngelo Williams out of the lineup after having out-patient knee surgery a few weeks ago, running back is one of those positions where there aren’t many options after Le’Veon Bell.

The good news for black and gold faithful is a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggesting the Steelers could see Williams back on the field for their Week 13 game against the New York Giants at Heinz Field.

The proposed timeline makes sense. Williams’ surgery, based on Rapoport’s report, was similar to the one Ben Roethlisberger had. Now, a quarterback and running back require their knee joints to do vastly different things, and Williams’ timeline to return might be longer than expected.

With the two week recovery being this Thursday, Thanksgiving, when the Steelers travel to play the Indianapolis Colts, there is little doubt Williams will again be inactive for the contest. However, after the short work week and extended break following, the Steelers could see Williams back on the field for Week 13.

Fans should keep in mind Williams’ age, and the risk of re-injury. If he were held out until the Week 14 game against against the Buffalo Bills it shouldn’t surprise anyone.

In the meantime, Bell continues to hold down the fort, with Fitzgerald Toussaint as the primary backup and Daryl Richardson the third running back after being promoted to the 53-man active roster from the practice squad this weekend when Markus Wheaton was placed on injured reserve.

Mike Tomlin addresses the media today, Monday, rather than Tuesday due to the Thursday night game, and he will likely elaborate on the injury situation moving forward. Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news surrounding the black and gold.

UPDATE: Former San Diego Chargers team physician, Dr. David Chao, agreed with the above sentiment on Williams’ potential return.