Steelers Injury Report: Ryan Shazier triumphant return to practice couldn't come at a better time

While most fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers focus solely on Landry Jones and his 2016 debut as a starting quarterback, the main focus of the upcoming Week 7 game against the New England Patriots should be the Pittsburgh defense vs. Tom Brady and the New England offense.

Brady has historically shredded the Steelers defense, and it looks as if it might be a bit easier this year than in years past, but as of Thursday it looks as if one huge weapon for Pittsburgh could be returning to the lineup. That weapon would be none other than Ryan Shazier.

Shazier was drafted for games like Sunday's, and he will have to be covering one of the two lethal tight ends on the New England roster. The question many are asking at this point is whether Shazier is truly healthy enough to play. After re-injuring his knee against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, many suggest Shazier is so valuable he would be better off sitting out Sunday and preparing for the Baltimore Ravens after the bye week. Essentially ensuring his knee being 100-percent after the bye week.

Nonetheless, Shazier was a full participant in practice, and all signs point to Shazier, Robert Golden and Mike Mitchell all being in the lineup in Week 7. Tremendous news for the Steelers defense who will need all available hands on deck to try and counter punch the lethal New England offense.

It should be noted Ladarius Green did not practice again Thursday, and reports from Pittsburgh are stating the team is going to not play him this week and allow him to get acclimated during the bye week and make his season debut in Week 9 when the Steelers travel to Baltimore in a big AFC North grudge match.

See the full injury reports for both Pittsburgh and New England below:

Pittsburgh

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
T Marcus Gilbert (Ankle)
DE Cameron Heyward (Hamstring)
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Left Knee)
S Shamarko Thomas (Groin)
C Cody Wallace (Knee)
WR Markus Wheaton (Shoulder)
RB DeAngelo Williams (Knee)

FULL PARTICIPATION
S Robert Golden (Foot)
S Mike Mitchell (Knee)
LB Ryan Shazier (Knee)

New England

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
TE Martellus Bennett  (Ankle)
RB Brandon Bolden (Knee)
LB Jamie Collins (Hip)
WR Julian Edelman (Foot)
DL Woodrow Hamilton (Shoulder)
LB Shea McClellin (Concussion)
WR Malcolm Mitchell (Hamstring)
LB Elandon Roberts (Ankle)
DL Vincent Valentine (Back)