Neal & Adams Return, Injury Outlook Improves
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — A day after most Penguins fans accepted the reality of forwards Jordan Staal, James Neal and Craig Adams being out for an extended period of time, the injury report took a 180-degree turn.
Neal and Adams both surprisingly took part in the morning skate Tuesday and, accordingly, ended up playing against Ottawa. Originally, Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said Neal's injury would take "weeks, not days" to recover from. That was after Neal had his foot X-rayed.
However, after an MRI doctors discovered that Neal's foot wasn't broken. Rather, it was bruised and there was no damage to any weight-bearing elements.
Adams injured his knee in a collision with Brooks Orpik in practice and there wasn't immediate feedback on his condition. Bylsma said after Monday's practice that there was no update.
Other injury news:
- Forward Dustin Jeffrey, who has been rehabbing from knee surgery, participated in the morning skate and was available to play if coaches needed him. He did not dress.
- Defenseman Paul Martin did not play Tuesday night because of illness. Simon Despres was recalled and dressed only to suffer a lower-body injury early in the game.
- Forward Arron Asham returned Tuesday from a knee injury.
- Defenseman Kris Letang skated before practice and continues to work toward rejoining the lineup from a concussion.
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