Bryan Rust Returns to Practice

On Oct. 2, the Penguins announced that forward Bryan Rust would miss a minimum of two weeks with a lower-body injury. On Oct. 8, the day after Pittsburgh opened the 2025-26 season with a win over the Rangers, Rust was a full participant in practice and wore a regular, full-contact jersey.

When asked after practice if his timeline had changed at all, Rust said with a smile, “You guys will have to wait and see.”

Regardless of what the timeline ends up being, today was a good step in the right direction for Rust, who was placed on injured reserve to start the year. That means he has to miss at least seven calendar days, but it can be retroactive to the preseason.

“It was the first time out there with the team in practice. We’ll continue to reevaluate after each step is taken,” Penguins Head Coach Dan Muse said. “That’s where we are at right now. Practicing with the team is a good step.”

Last season, Rust was also sidelined early on, missing the first two games due to injury. After returning to the lineup, Rust went on to have a career year with 31 goals and 65 points in just 71 games.

When a reporter asked if he was looking for history to repeat itself, Rust had to laugh.

“No, I’m not that superstitious,” he grinned.