Steelers activate Harrison; Wallace reports
The Pittsburgh Steelers activated standout linebacker James Harrison from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list on Tuesday, providing the second bit of good news for the team.
Earlier in the day, wide receiver Mike Wallace showed up to camp, ending his holdout. However, he won't be able to practice for three days due to collective bargaining rules.
He expects to return to the field Monday and hopes to play in the Sept. 9 season opener.
"I am here now, learning the plays," Wallace said, referring to the offensive scheme of new coordinator Todd Haley. "I get to at least see it. At home I couldn't even see it. At least getting to watch those guys I am getting a couple of mental reps."
Wallace spent his time away from the team working out in Orlando with trainer Tom Shaw.
"It's time to get ready for the season," said Wallace. "I felt like it was time to go. I am ready to roll, I am here. That is all that matters to me. I am not worried about why or nothing. Why, because my teammates need me here and it's time to get prepared for the season."
The activation of Harrison was not a major surprise, because leaving him on the PUP would have forced Harrison to miss the first six weeks of the season.
He had arthroscopic knee surgery on Aug. 15, and the team is hoping he can play in the Sept. 9 regular-season opener, although it remains unclear whether he'll play in that game against Denver.
Harrison, 34, was the 2008 NFL defensive player of the year and has been named to five straight Pro Bowls.
Harrison's backup, Jason Worilds, was also activated from the PUP list after sitting out with a wrist injury.
The Steelers also released running back Jason Ford, who was signed earlier in training camp.
