Zach Banner is a five-year NFL veteran who has spent time with the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Despite playing three seasons for the Steelers, Banner hasn’t been seen on the field since the 2021 season.
While many fans thought he might have retired, Banner has recently provided an update.
“I have not retired,” Banner said in a tweet, “I’m simply a bigger man who has needed more time to get past a devastating injury.”
I also have been missing for a while, and I want everyone to know I’ve just been working out and training my knee.
I have not retired… Im simply just a bigger man who has needed more time to get past a devastating injury…
That is all, carry on…
— Zach Banner (@ZBNFL) May 4, 2023
Banner did sign a two-year contract with the Steelers in 2021.
However, due to injury concerns, the team released him in March of 2022, with no timetable to return to the NFL.
This latest update at least provides a positive outlook for Banner and his family.
It appears that he will return to the league at some point, but he needs to ensure full health before doing so.
When Banner is ready to return, he is likely to get some offers from teams across the league, given the pressing needs on offensive lines.
Having an elite offensive line can be the difference between a good team, and a great team.
This was evidenced by the Philadelphia Eagles, who, backed by a strong offensive line, made a Super Bowl run in 2022.
Having a player of Banner’s size and strength could be vital to an NFL offense, assuming he can make a full return.
When he’ll be able to return, however, remains to be seen.
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