You’d have to be living under a rock to be unaware of the countless injuries the Pittsburgh Steelers have sustained this season, and Week 12 was no exception.  Several more players went down in the slugfest vs the Cleveland Browns, resulting in a mind-boggling shift of players on the active roster and practice squad.  Check it out:

1. RT Marcus Gilbert, hoping to return from an ankle injury, suffered a setback and was placed on IR.
2. Rookie T Mike Adams, the 2012 2nd round draft pick who has been filling in for Gilbert, suffered an ankle injury and will reportedly miss “significant time”.
3. Rookie Kelvin Beachum will likely start in place of Adams, whom he relieved during the Browns game.  It will be his first NFL start.
4. 2012 1st round draft pick RG David DeCastro, who sustained a knee injury during preseason, was activated from the “IR with designation to return” list.  It is unclear if he will start, as Ramon Foster has played well in his absence.
5. LG Willie Colon has been sidelined with a swollen knee and may sit this week again…rumor has it that if Colon can’t play, ProBowl center Maurkice Pouncey may slide into the guard position, leaving backup Doug Legursky to fill in at center.
6. Rookie G John Malecki continues to bounce between practice squad and active roster.  This week, he’ll again be on the list of 53.
7. WR Antonio Brown practiced well this week and is expected to make his return against the Ravens.  This is good news indeed.
8. With Brown returning, rookie WR David Gilreath was released to make room on the roster.  The Steelers would likely have signed Gilreath back to the practice squad, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers claimed him off waivers.
9. Other rookies that were released were lost to other teams as well: WR Toney Clemons was signed by the Jaguars and G Ryan Lee was signed by the Saints.
10. To fill out the practice squad, T Joe Long (brother of Dolphins 1st round pick Jake Long), G Justin Cheadle (no relation to the actor Don Cheadle),  and WR Bert Reed (not in any way connected to paper towel dispenser killer K Jeff Reed) were all added.
11. RB Jonathan Dwyer will get the start over Isaac Redman and Rashard Mendenhall, who sits at #3 on the depth chart after fumbling twice on 4 carries against the Browns as part of the turnover marathon.  I guess Dwyer’s fumble was the least offensive?
12. WR Mike Wallace got a mini-demotion and now shares the starting position with Emmanuel Sanders opposite Antonio Brown.  Sanders has performed well in AB’s absence.

1. LaMarr Woodley will sit out with an ankle injury, and Jason Worilds will again start opposite James Harrison.  Both Worilds and Harrison have been performing well recently.
2. QB Ben Roethlisberger if officially out vs the Ravens, and Charlie Batch will again get the start.  Byron Leftwich continues to recover from rib fractures.
3. WR Jerricho Cotchery is also trying to return to the field from his rib injury, but don’t expect him to play this week.  Plaxico Burress will fill his spot.
4. After playing a mere 1.25 games this year, safety Troy Polamalu may finally make his return this week.  The #1-ranked defense has been playing so well the past few weeks, I think a lot of fans have stopped missing him.
5. Safety Ryan Clark has managed to avoid even minor concussions since he started wearing his new, big (unfashionable in his opinion), kevlar reinforced helmet.  Looking good, Ryan.

I don’t know about you, but all this roster movement makes my head spin…I need to rest up for the big game Sunday.  Steelers vs Ravens is always huge, and never more so than this week.  Ravens will essentially clinch the division with a win.  If the Steelers can pull off the upset, who knows?

Week 10

Kansas City vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Time: 8:30 PM

TV: ESPN

Site: Heinz Field

Last Meeting: 11/27/11, W 13-9

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but the Steelers need to avoid the trap game. The Steelers are coming of a huge win against the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants last week and have a date with their arch nemesis Baltimore Ravens next week. Sandwiched in between? Kansas City and their 1-7 record.

The Steelers have had their issues with teams they are supposed to beat this season (see the Raiders and Titans). The Steelers have also managed to look less than awesome in primetime games this season as well. Chances are high that this game will be far more interesting than it needs to be.

» Continue reading “Week 10 Preview: Kansas City Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers”

The Pittsburgh Steelers are thrilled to have Rashard Mendenhall back on the field. (from the team’s Google + page)

When I watch the Steelers play, I’m an emotional fan, just a member of Steeler Nation.  It doesn’t matter if I’m on my couch, at a bar, or in the stands at Heinz Field, as I was this past Sunday.  Without the options of reviewing each play myself, I don’t always know if the penalties were legitimate or bogus, how an injury occurred, or what went right on that fantastic splash play…I’m just caught up in the thrill of competition, with no idea how it will end.  Sure, I leave the game with a feeling of how it went, but it’s just a first impression.

Thanks to the magic of DirecTV and NFL Game Rewind, I can go through the game in a more objective matter after the joy of victory or the agony of defeat has dulled a bit. » Continue reading “Second Thoughts: Philadelphia Eagles at Pittsburgh Steelers”

Pittsburgh Steelers 16 Philadelphia Eagles 14

A win is a win, but boy was it ugly. Between the dumb penalties, dropped passes, and the bad snaps the Steelers weren’t giving themselves much of a chance to win this game. Not to mention the Steelers lost Troy Polamalu and LaMarr Woodley to injuries. Fortunately for the Steelers, Michael Vick and the Eagles really didn’t want to win the game either.

The Good

Rashard Mendenhall returned and, what do you know, so did the running game. Mendenhall had 81 yards and a touchdown as well as  20 receiving yards on the day. Mendenhall played an important part in the final drive, racking up yards and taking time off the clock. Welcome back, Rashard.

» Continue reading “Steelers Win Despite Repeatedly Shooting Themselves In The Foot”

• With the loss of so many veteran leaders, there are some pretty big shoes to fill on both sides of the ball. Jerricho Cotchery, now the oldest Steeler receiver on the roster at the ripe old age of 29, is ready to take a leadership role in the offense.

“I’ve had 1,000-yard seasons. I’ve had the numbers. I’ve had many other things, but I want to win a championship,” Cotchery said. “Meeting the head coach and knowing what type of quarterback was here, that’s what drew me here last year. … I just love being here and I just wanted to come back to it.”

I like the sound of things, Mr. Cotchery. Now please go have a nice long chat with Mike Wallace.

• Isaac Redman feels like he is ready to carry the workload on offense. I’m glad there will be more of a focus on the ground game and that Redman will get a chance to prove himself. I know he had a few fumbling issues last year, but he was one of the few bright spots in that Playoff Game That Shall Not Be Named. » Continue reading “Steelers News Blitz: The “Big Shoes To Fill” Edition”

After a few very quiet weeks, the Steelers have made some free agency signings that will add quality depth to the roster. 

Cassel-to-Pope TDs helped the 2010 Chiefs win the AFC West (Jamie Squires/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, the Steelers signed tight end Leonard Pope.  With Weslye Saunders missing the first four games due to a suspension, Pope will join Heath Miller and David Johnson, who just signed his RFA 1-year tender.  Originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2007, Pope faced the Steelers in Superbowl XLIII.  Pope was released that off-season and signed by the Kansas City Chiefs.  In 2011, he had 24 receptions for 247 yards and 1 TD, including a crucial catch in their surprising victory over the then-undefeated Packers.  Pope once again rejoins Todd Haley, his old offensive coordinater in Arizona and head coach in Kansas City.  Odd to see players and coaches moving from Arizona to Pittsburgh, but the 6’8″ TE will likely be a welcome addition for Roethlisberger.

Jerricho Cotchery shows his moves (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Jerricho Cotchery has re-signed with Steelers this week as well, a 2-year deal reportedly worth $3 million.  Cotchery joined the Steelers in 2011 after being released by the Jets (a transition he seemed happy to make).  After a slow start due to injury, Cotchery had a productive season with the Steelers, catching a game-tying TD in their Wild Card playoff game to send them into overtime.  As a free agent this off-season, Cotchery visited with the Chiefs and Rams and reportedly had interest from the Jets as well (although it would be hard to imagine him returning there with the drama factor increasing on a daily basis).  With Hines Ward gone, Cotchery will add a veteran presence to the offensive unit.  And it certainly gives the Steelers additional bargaining power with Mike Wallace rumored to hold out on signing his 1st round tender (a bad idea, by the way, Bus Cook).  Bringing back Cotchery is a key move for the Steelers.

Trai Essex filling the blanks on the O-line (Steelers.com)

Trai Essex reported on twitter this morning that he will also be back in the Black & Gold:

Trai Essex @TraiDay79  I am ecstatic to announce that I am back with the @Steelers!  There is no place like #SteelerNation #EverydayisaBlessing

Originally drafted in the 3rd round in 2005, Essex has played all 7 seasons with the Steelers.  He has proven himself a versatile lineman, moving  from tackle to guard as the need arises, and even playing center agains the Rams last season, replacing the injured Pouncey and Legursky.  Prior to last season, Essex was encouraged to lose weight and improve his fitness.  Judging by his recently updated twitter profile picture, he’s ready to go.

Rounding the recent signings, Ramon Foster has signed his 1-year RFA tender.  All in all, a productive week for the Steelers.  More importantly, they have accomplished this with very little impact to the salary cap, which leaves them able to sign one particularly valuable player to a long-term contract.  Are you paying attention Mike Wallace?

Melanie Friedlander is a contributor to the Steel City Blitz.  You can follow her on Twitter @girlsurgeon.

The Steelers in the free agent market. (Originally by Jez Arnold, via Wikimedia Commons)

The 2012 free agency period began yesterday and the Steelers have been quiet. This is par for the course for the Steelers, who are known more for building teams through the draft rather than free agency.

The only big name player the Steelers are going after this offseason is WR Mike Wallace. Wallace is a restricted free agent and worth a first round draft pick if the Steelers don’t match any offers.

Jerricho Cotchery is another free agent looking to re-sign with the Steelers. Cap space is still an issue, so it just may be a “wait and see” approach as to whether or not Pittsburgh will be able to keep Cotchery and Wallace.

Week three has come and gone and in its wake are more names added to the injury list. In today’s press conference, Mike Tomlin discussed the various injuries:

• Marcus Gilbert briefly left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury. He is expected to practice this week.
• Jonathan Scott is questionable with an ankle sprain.
• Doug Legursky is also questionable with an injured shoulder.
• Brett Keisel sat out Sunday’s game and is questionable this week.
• Mike Wallace suffered a “cartilage injury”, but is expected to play.
• Jerricho Cotchery and Bryant McFadden should be ready this week.

“I am swapping our padded practices up this week,” said Tomlin. “We will go in helmets only on Wednesday and we’ll carry our shoulder pads on Thursday. We believe that approach will help us deal with some of these injuries and be inclusive in terms of practice and give some guys an opportunity to practice on Wednesday and give them another day to participate on Thursday.”

Forget last week, Steelers football is back! The Steelers came out focused and ready to play against a talented Philadelphia Eagles squad.

The Steelers set the tone early with an 80-yard drive that took 7:36 off the clock. The 14-play drive was capped off with a great 29 yard touchdown pass to Antonio Brown.

The Steelers’ next drive started at their own 4-yard line. Roethlisberger led them down the field for a 14 play, 8:15 drive and a 20-yard touchdown pass to Hines Ward. As expected, Ward showed off some of his sweet new dance moves in the end zone. I hope next time he picks up and twirls Mike Wallace or Daniel Sepulveda.

On the other side of the ball, the defense came out strong, forcing five turnovers including three picks of Michael Vick. Vick had his revenge though, completely leveling Troy Polamalu during his interception return.

Other items of note:

Pros

• Time of possession. The Steelers dominated the clock and held on to the ball for 38:51.
• The running game was rather impressive. Mendenhall was solid with 6 attempts and 28 yards.
•  No turnovers committed by the offense.
• Jerricho Cotchery: 2 receptions, 49 yards, and a touchdown.

Cons

• 1 for 3 on field goal attempts. I know it was Swayze Waters kicking, but you need to convert those chances.
• Jonathan Scott and Marcus Gilbert left the game with injuries.

• Rookie Baron Batch was carted off the field yesterday after injuring his knee during practice. He may have torn his ACL and will miss the season. From what I hear, he seemed really promising in training camp, and it’s a shame he was injured. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery!
• In other injury-related news, Mike Tomlin confirmed that six players will not play Friday versus the Redskins. These players include Chris Kemoeatu (knee), Bryant McFadden (groin), Emmanuel Sanders (foot), Cortez Allen (hamstring), Eugene Bright (PUP list), and Mario Harvey (groin).
• In non-injury news, the Steelers signed former Jet WR Jerricho Cotchery . Cotchery is expected to be the Steelers’ fifth receiver and will not join the team until Sunday.