Ola Adeniyi was back in his familiar corner locker at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Monday. Just like the rest of his teammates, he’d made the move back from Saint Vincent to the facility where he will train and study almost daily over the next 4 to 5 months.
But unlike most of the rest of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Adeniyi did not practice Monday. And he won’t for the foreseeable future after undergoing surgery last week. Adeniyi, who had a heavily bandaged right knee, was prevented from divulging exactly what the procedure was or what sort of injury facilitated it.
But he’s not letting his physical misfortune affect his mental health and approach.
“I mean, injuries happen; it’s part of the game,” Adeniyi said. “You can’t dwell too much on it; I am just trying to get back right and just get back into the swing of things.”
Just a few Rocket greats trying to chase their dreams... Excited for these guys ????? #GetBetter pic.twitter.com/j6jKKP9TDk
— Jason Candle (@CoachCandle) August 18, 2019
Adeniyi had been one of the stars of training camp at Saint Vincent and appeared well on his way to securing a backup spot at outside linebacker, perhaps even in challenging veteran Anthony Chickillo as the top reserve to Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt.
And if that momentum grinding to a screeching halt wasn’t enough of a kick to the proverbial gut, Adeniyi likewise had his rookie 2018 season derailed by being placed on the injured reserve list prior to it starting. That designation was for what is believed to be a minor hamstring injury that allowed the Steelers to keep Adeniyi on the roster throughout the season as an undrafted rookie.
Adeniyi would play in only one game last season.
It is not known exactly how long Adeniyi will be out of practices or games. The regular season begins in less than three weeks.
“I mean, I’m good,” Odeniyi said. “I’ve just got to get back right and have just got to get back on the field.”
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