Steelers tight end Ladarius Green told reporters Saturday that he isn’t sure where rumors that he’s been held out due to recurring headaches started and insisted he remains on the physically unable to perform list due to offseason ankle surgery.
In denying those rumors, Green said he’s “confident” and “optimistic” he’ll be able to play in 2016 and scoffed at prior reports that insinuated he may never play again.
“I am wondering who said this,” Green said. “I don’t think I spoke about retiring no time soon. I am only 26, so I don’t think I am retiring anytime soon.”
Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin has said little about Green, who’s yet to practice with his new team after signing with the Steelers in March, but last week insisted that Green remains on PUP because of the ankle injury.
Green had two concussions last season while playing for the Chargers but said Saturday he doesn’t think he has a concussion problem and remains focused on getting his ankle healthy enough to allow him to return.
Green said his ankle is “still weak but it’s getting a lot better. The ankle still isn’t 100 percent yet. It is still not there yet. There is still stuff I have to work on. There is still stuff I am pushing toward, but it is getting better.”