The Pittsburgh Steelers are slowly getting back key players from all three phases of the game, and just in time for the last leg of the 2023 regular season.
Cam Heyward is the most recent after Diontae Johnson‘s return in Week 7. Now special teams get a boost from Anthony McFarland, who’ll suit up for the first time in eight weeks after injuring his knee leading up to the Cleveland Browns.
“I am very anxious,” McFarland told Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. “I haven’t played since Week 1. I feel fresh. Ready to be out there with the team.”
In addition to being the Steelers’ primary kick returner, it appeared from McFarland’s lone full game of the 2023 season that Pittsburgh had intentions to get him involved in the passing game this year.
He caught two targets, one for a first down, from Kenny Pickett for 11 yards. McFarland’s biggest contribution came via the return game, something he hadn’t done since his rookie season. He returned three kicks for 91 yards, including a 34-long.
But after appearing on the team’s injury reports during Browns week, McFarland landed on injured reserve the day of the Monday Night Football matchup — along with Diontae Johnson.
Johnson’s back, now McFarland, as the Steelers host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
“I feel good. I feel healthy,” said McFarland. “These last few weeks, getting back on my feet. I am practicing hard.”
McFarland, a full participant in every practice session since he was designated to return from IR, did not have an injury designation for Pittsburgh’s last two games against the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. Both are good signs that he’s physically ready to get back on the field.
After coming over from the Atlanta Falcons, Godwin Igwebuike played well in McFarland’s absence. Though he was inactive for his first three games in Pittsburgh, he’s averaged 23.25 yards on four kick returns, one a 36-yard long versus Jacksonville.
Thanks, Igwebuike, but it’ll be exciting to see what McFarland can bring in his first game back.
