Steelers tight end/fullback David Johnson has been placed on the active roster and removed from the active/physically unable to perform list, the club said Wednesday morning.
Johnson, who missed the 2012 regular season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, will participate in Wednesday’s practice, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
The return of Johnson bolsters the Steelers’ options at a position weakened by the absence of Heath Miller (knee), who remains on PUP. For now, David Paulson and Johnson are probably the club’s two best options at tight end. Johnson’s blocking is his calling card, which complements Paulson’s strengths as a pass catcher. Moreover, Johnson’s return helps counter the loss of Matt Spaeth to a foot injury earlier this month.