Steelers defender returns to practice after 15-game absence

[ASFN Admin]

In a surprise turn of events, a Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman, who has missed the past 15 games on injured reserve, returned to practice ahead of the Wild Card matchup against the Houston Texans.

On Friday, Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk returned to practice and was placed on the Designated for Return list, giving Pittsburgh a 21-day window to activate him or choose to let him remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

Steelers DT Isaiahh Loudermilk has been designated to return from IR and is back at practice, the team announced. He's still on IR but the practice window is open.

He suffered a severe ankle sprain in Week 2 and has been out since then.

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) January 9, 2026

Selected with the 156th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Loudermilk started two games at the beginning of the 2025 regular season, but an ankle injury he suffered in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks left him sidelined for 15 games to close out the season.

We at Steelers Wire remain committed to providing key injury updates, like Loudermilk’s potential activation off injured reserve, and will continue to monitor his situation ahead of Pittsburgh’s playoff matchup against Houston.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including Pittsburgh’s wild-card playoff matchup against the Houston Texans, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' Isaiahh Loudermilk returns to practice ahead of playoffs

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