Mike Tomlin wasn't exactly tapping the brakes on Antonio Brown returning to the lineup for the Steelers for Sunday's AFC Divisional Playoff game against Jacksonville, but he wasn't ready to pencil Pittsburgh's star receiver back into the lineup yet, either.
Tomlin said Tuesday that Monday's practice, in which Brown was a full participant, was a good first step for the injured receiver, but it was just a first step as Brown tries to return from a calf injury that has sidelined him since Dec. 17.
"We are excited about where he is. We will continue his participation throughout the week and really gauge his availability based on that," Tomlin said. "We can’t take steps backwards as we prepare collectively and obviously with him in terms of his physical health."
Brown's health moving forward will be critical. The Steelers don't want to see their star receiver have any kind of setback that would keep him out of any future potential playoff games. But they also don't want to sit Brown out this week if he's healthy enough to play, especially in a game against the NFL's top pass defense where his presence on the field could be critical.
Brown became the first player in NFL history to have five consecutive 100-reception seasons, finishing 2017 with 101 receptions for an NFL-best 1,533 yards and nine touchdowns. He was leading the league in catches and receiving yards at the time of his injury and was second in receiving touchdowns.
"We just have to watch his progress throughout the week. The quality of it," Tomlin said. "Make sure there are no steps backwards. Make sure it is trending in the right way. We are not treating this different than any other player or injury that we deal with. His practice participation, and the quality of it, will determine his availability or the amount of availability. I just do not have the answers to those questions as I stand here today."