After rehabbing MCL tear, RB Anthony McFarland awaits return to Steelers

Considering how infrequently he played as a rookie, the last thing running back Anthony McFarland wanted was a medical issue derailing his second season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Not surprisingly, an MCL tear sustained during the preseason and a trip to injured reserve were not exactly the start McFarland had in mind.

McFarland has missed the first five games of the season, and, even though he is eligible to be activated for the Steelers’ game Sunday against Seattle, he likely won’t return until after the team’s bye week.

“It’s tough, real tough just because it happened right before the season started,” McFarland said Friday. “I really felt like I did a lot in the offseason to make sure I became a better player than my rookie season. It kind of (stinks) for it to happen before the season.”

A fourth-round pick out of Maryland, McFarland was expected to serve as a change-of-pace back in his rookie season. But even with injuries to starter James Conner, McFarland had difficulty getting on the field. He was limited to 89 offensive snaps in 11 games, carrying 33 times for 113 yards and catching six passes for 54.

Even with the Steelers drafting Najee Harris in the first round, McFarland thought he could carve a meaningful role in the offense, and the Steelers experimented in training camp with having both running backs on the field.

Then, sometime after the third preseason game against Detroit, McFarland tore his MCL. He did not play in the preseason finale at Carolina and was placed on injured reserve Sept. 2.

“It wasn’t from a play or anything,” he said. “It was something I had from college, an old tear and then a new tear.”

McFarland was designated to return from injured reserve last week, starting a 21-day window for the Steelers to add him to the 53-man roster.

“My body feels good,” he said. “I did a good job rehabbing. Now, I’m just trying to take it one step at a time.”