The Pittsburgh Steelers already got some good news on the injury front Monday when it was made official that both wide receiver Diontae Johnson and running back Anthony McFarland Jr. officially returned to practice. This started their 21-day window to be removed from Injured Reserve (IR) and be placed on the 53-man active roster. If they don’t return within that time frame, their season would be over and they would go on season-ending IR.

But that wasn’t the only good news the team received Monday. The team also got good news with two players who were dealing with different ailments in Week 5.

The first bit of good news was that tight end Pat Freiermuth, who missed Week 5 with a hamstring injury, was back at practice and is preparing to play vs. the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. This per Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Pat Freiermuth said he will play against the Rams on Sunday. More good news on the injury front.

— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) October 16, 2023

Getting Freiermuth back will be a big boost for the struggling Steelers’ offense, but the team also getting a defensive lineman back is also a boost for the team’s defense. DeMarvin Leal, who left the team’s win over the Baltimore Ravens due to a potential concussion, has been cleared from the NFL’s protocol and has been cleared to play.

This per Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Steelers defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal is no longer in concussion protocol.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) October 16, 2023

If the Steelers are able to get Johnson, McFarland and Freiermuth back in the lineup, it will go a long way to helping the offense find its footing coming off the bye. Getting Leal back will also help the Steelers defensive front as they continue to try and patch things together in the absence of Cam Heyward, who remains on IR after undergoing surgery to repair an injured groin.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Rams in Week 7.