Stevenson Sylvester has said that he was lucky to sustain "just a little tweak" to his ankle during the Pittsburgh Steelers' pre-season game at the weekend.

The linebacker picked up the sprain during their Saturday night defeat to the New York Giants while tangling with rookie wide receiver Markus Wheaton during a punt return.

The 25-year-old told the team's official website: "I am fine, just a little tweak. I got lucky. It was just an unfortunate event. It's the first pre-season game and everyone is hustling to make a play and I just got cut.

"I understand [Wheaton's] position. I have been in that same position. It's hard to get out of the way at that time. He is hustling, he is a gunner and they had him double-teamed.

"You are trying to run as hard as you can to get away from some of those guys and as soon as I looked to my right someone came into my leg. I got lucky it wasn't a major injury. Hopefully I get out there as soon as possible."

Sylvester re-signed for one season with the Steelers earlier this year.