Cortez Allen Could Reportedly Return This Sunday

Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday it was reported that injured running back Le’Veon Bell would make his regular season debut with the Steelers on Sunday against the Vikings.  In addition to Bell, hobbled cornerback Cortez Allen could also return to Pittsburgh’s lineup this weekend in London as well.

According to Teresa Varley of the Steelers’ official website, head coach Mike Tomlin had this to say about Allen, the health of his ankle, and his status for Sunday’s game:

"He is going to practice and his availability will be based on that participation, … We’re optimistic he is going to be able to play in this football game."

The return of Allen would be a huge boost for Pittsburgh’s secondary, and they definitely missed his presence during the last two weeks.  The third-year cornerback is not only responsible for covering the number two receivers of the Steelers’ opponents, but also their tight ends in the slot as well.

Tyler Eifert, Jermaine Gresham, and Martellus Bennett all found measures of success against Pittsburgh’s defense during the last two weeks, and Allen’s return from his ankle injury can only help the Steelers as they will try to defend Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson.

Pittsburgh’s defense has also yet to force a turnover through their first three games, so the insertion of a guy who forced six takeaways during the final two games of the 2012 regular season would be an added bonus for the turnover-starved unit.

Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com and Pro Football Reference

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