DeMarvin Leal ‘full go, 100%, no restrictions’ at Steelers practice, could come off IR

Nine days into a 21-day window when he can be activated off the injured reserve list, could this be the week Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal is added to the active roster?

“Could be,” the rookie said after Friday’s practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

Leal confirmed he has been a “full go” and “100%” with “no restrictions” at practice this week in advance of Monday’s game at the Indianapolis Colts.

Leal has been on IR since Oct. 15 and has not played since Oct. 9 because of a knee injury.

“We like where he’s going,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said Thursday of Leal’s health. “He’s moving around. He’s a young guy who has fresh legs. We like what he was doing before the injury. We’ll see where he is. We’ll evaluate end of the week and see if he can help us. If he can, then he’ll be there. If not, we’ll wait another week.”

A third-round pick out of Texas A&M, Leal’s role in the defense increased over the first five games of the season to where he was a starter playing 41% of the Steelers’ defensive snaps for his most recent game Oct. 9 in Buffalo.

But part of Leal’s role was as an “outside linebacker” (edge rusher), and with T.J. Watt’s return to the team off IR, that isn’t needed as much anymore.

The Steelers have a veteran defensive line with starters Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi and Montravius Adams and reserves Chris Wormley and Tyson Alualu. Only No. 6 DL Isaiahh Loudermilk has fewer than five seasons of NFL experience.

“We can’t put a lot on that kid’s (Leal’s) shoulders yet,” Heyward said Friday. “He’s got to continue to keep learning and keep growing. I saw growth every week. I saw him want to get better. Obviously, we’re not doing the same things now that T.J. is back, but he’s got to continue to keep growing in our system.”

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