PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers offense could be getting a new weapon as early as the Patriots game Oct. 22.

Tight end Ladarius Green said a Week 7 return is “still the goal.” An ankle injury landed Green on the regular-season Physically Unable to Perform list, which sidelines him for all practices and games for at least six weeks.

“It’s looking good right now. Can’t say for sure,” said Green, noting practice time will determine more. “Nothing specific would hold me back. I still have a ways to go with the ankle but it’s going good. It’s better.”

Once the six weeks are up, the team has 21 days to decide whether to activate Green.

The Steelers signed Green to a four-year, $20-million free-agent contract, but the former San Diego Charger underwent offseason ankle surgery that took a while to heal. The NFL Network reported in August that Green, who suffered multiple concussions in San Diego, had recurring headaches. Green and coach Mike Tomlin have said the player was sidelined solely because of the ankle.

Tight ends Jesse James and Xavier Grimble have combined for three touchdowns in the first four games, which has Green excited.

“The tight-end group in general is motivating me a lot. They are doing real good right now,” Green said. “I just want to be a part of it and help them out.”