Steelers Could Have Jaylen Samuels Back Against Miami

Running back Jaylen Samuels could return to the Pittsburgh Steelers this week after missing only one game with a knee sprain.

The Steelers' running back was reportedly going to miss a month of football after suffering a knee sprain in Week 5. Only two weeks since having arthroscopic surgery on his knee, Jaylen Samuels could be back against the Miami Dolphins. 

Samuels was a full participant in the team's final practice on Saturday, competing in all of the offensive drills with the team. After a week of practicing to some degree, Samuels says he feels great heading into Monday.

"I was full," Samuels said about his participation on Saturday. "Just out there trying to see how it feels, going through individual drills, do a little bit of cutting. It felt good."

The Steelers could use their backup running back moving forward. However, there is concern to push Samuels too far, leaving Monday night open on whether or not he'll play.

"I'm not sure yet," Samuels said. "We'll see how it looks tomorrow and Monday."

Expectations were for Samuels to miss nearly a month before returning, but the running back has fought back in half the time. Something he says he's had to work towards since the surgery. 

"I never got scoped before, I didn't even know what that was," Samuels said. "Once they told me how long I could miss and it was like a month, I know my body was a fast healer and I knew if I could push myself hard with recovery I could be back sooner."

The use of the bye week has helped the Steelers recover at a number of positions. They've been able to get nearly everyone back at practice, including fullback Rosie Nix.

"If we get us all back and healthy that's better for the team, better for us," Samuels said about the Steelers' backfield. "It would definitely be good to get us all back, with Rosie [Nix] coming back as well so we'll have a fullback now. I'm excited."

As for Benny Snell Jr.'s performance during Samuels' absence, he was impressed. The rookie running back rushed for 75 yards against Los Angeles, filling the void well while Samuels was sidelined.

"He did what he was supposed to do," Samuels said. "Everything that coaches asked him to do, he did."