Ladarius Green Injury: Updates on Steelers TE's Recovery from Ankle Surgery

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Ladarius Green is unavailable for Pittsburgh's organized team activities while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, per ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler.  

Continue for updates.

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Green Expected Back for Training Camp

Wednesday, May 25

The Steelers signed Green in March to a four-year, $20 million deal, per the Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson, to replace Heath Miller, who retired after the 2015 season. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly noted Wednesday's news isn't an unforeseen development:

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger discussed Green's recovery and how his eventual return date remains somewhat fluid, per Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

"

That's the hard part. I just know kind of the things I've heard and seen with him and the Chargers. I'm excited to have him out here, just not sure when that's going to be. We spent some time talking behind the scenes a little bit, behind practice. So, I hope mentally he'll be ready to go, when he's physically ready.

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Green has big shoes to fill. According to Pro-Football-Reference.com, Miller had the most receptions (592) among Steelers receivers since Roethlisberger entered the league in 2004. Miller played a vital role in the passing game, and Green will be expected to do the same in 2016.

As a result, it will be important for him and his quarterback to build a strong rapport on the field before the start of the regular season.

Green also has a point to prove after mostly showing just flashes of his potential with the San Diego Chargers. Signing with the Steelers gets him out of Antonio Gates' shadow and gives him the opportunity to prove himself as a true No. 1 tight end in the NFL.

Having the preparation time that training camp will afford is important for Green if he wants to get his first season in Pittsburgh off on the right foot.