Rust registered an assist in a 3-2 victory over Columbus on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Since returning from an upper-body injury, Rust's offensive game has been on full display, racking up five goals and three assists, including two with the man advantage, in 10 outings. The 31-year-old winger is thriving while playing up on the top line with Sidney Crosby and may be benefitting from the departure of Jake Guentzel in terms of added scoring opportunities.

Rust scored an even-strength goal and added a power-play assist in Saturday's 7-4 loss to the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Rust beat Jonathan Quick midway through the first period before helping to set up a Lars Eller tally in the second stanza. The 31-year-old Rust has two goals and three points in four games since coming off IR, and Saturday's goal was his 20th of the season -- the fifth straight campaign in which he has reached that mark.

The Penguins activated Rust (upper body) from injured reserve Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Even though he was considered a game-time decision, Rust appears ready to return from a seven-game absence Sunday against Edmonton. He has accounted for 18 goals, 36 points, 128 shots on net, 30 blocked shots and 40 hits in 42 appearances this season. Assuming he's good to go Sunday, Rust should occupy a top-six spot in the lineup and get power-play time.

Rust joined his teammates for practice Friday, marking the first time he's practiced since sustaining an upper-body injury Feb. 25 against Philadelphia, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust has missed the past six games. In his last game played before getting injured, he recorded two goals and one assist in a 7-6 win over the Flyers. The 31-year-old has recorded 18 goals and 18 assists through 42 contests on the year. He will be slotted into the first or second line when he returns.

Rust (upper body) skated before practice Thursday, marking the first time he's been on the ice since he was injured Feb. 25, Penguins play-by-play announcer Josh Getzoff reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust didn't stick around for the main practice, so don't expect him to play versus Washington on Thursday. Rust was red hot before he got hurt, scoring six times and adding two assists in his last seven games. Overall, he has 18 goals and 36 points in 42 games this season.

Rust (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Rust was previously deemed week-to-week, so his placement on IR shouldn't come as a surprise. The 31-year-old winger was rolling offensively when hurt, having racked up seven goals and two assists, including four power-play points, in his last nine outings. Without Rust in the lineup, Reilly Smith has been elevated to play on the first line with Sidney Crosby.

Rust (upper body) is considered week-to-week according to coach Mike Sullivan on Tuesday, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust was already expected to miss the Penguins' four-game road trip after not traveling with the team, so this latest update doesn't impact his short-term availability. Still, with Jake Guentzel (upper body) already out until mid-February, the loss of the 31-year-old Rust will only serve to further stretch the team's slim chances of making the postseason. In their stead, both Reilly Smith and Rickard Rakell have been elevated to first-line roles.

Rust (upper body) did not join the Penguins for their four-game road trip, the team announced Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Rust was injured in Sunday's wild 7-6 victory over the Flyers in which he racked up two goals (one on the power play) on six shots and an assist. Unless he links up with the team later in the trip, the 31-year-old winger should be expected to miss at least the next four games. Reilly Smith has moved into Rust's first-line spot while Valtteri Puustinen was elevated to the No. 1 power-play unit.

Rust (upper body) is being evaluated after Sunday's win over the Flyers, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust tallied two goals -- including one on the man advantage -- and an assist with six shots on goal before exiting Sunday's contest. He has 16 points in 20 appearances since returning from a 10-game absence that held him out for most of December. The 31-year-old winger has 18 goals and 36 points in 42 games this season. An update on Rust's status should be available before the Penguins begin their upcoming four-game road trip.

Rust notched a power-play assist and two shots on goal in Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

Rust helped out on Sidney Crosby's goal in the first period. The helper extended Rust's point streak to four games after he scored in each of the last three. The 31-year-old winger is up to 32 points (three on the power play), 118 shots on net and a plus-16 rating over 39 appearances. He should continue to see steady time on the top power-play unit while Jake Guentzel (upper body) is out.