Mike Tomlin Press Conference

The Latest from Mike Tomlin’s weekly press conference as the Steelers announced the signing of Brett Keisel (5 years) and the team made 4 roster cuts this afternoon, which included wide receiver Martin Nance.

NFL: Keisel, Steelers on verge of 5 year deal

The Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive end Brett Keisel are on the verge of a new contract. Following the Heath Miller signing, Keisel became the Steelers top priority. Negotiations began a week into training camp. An announcement is expected to be made this week, possibly as early as this afternoon. Steelers insider Ed Bouchette reports, the deal will be a five year deal. Early indications are Keisel will receive $6-$7 million in guarantees. Keisel who is Ben Roethlisberger’s best friend off the field, had 41 tackles in 10 regular season games last season. Keisel also added 5 tackles (4 solo) in Super Bowl XLIII. Among the strongest backers in re-signing Keisel has been head coach Mike Tomlin. With Keisel on the

MLB: Neil Walker to make major league debut in September

While top prospects Pedro Alvarez, Jose Tabata and Brad Lincoln will not be among the Pirates September callups, Pine Richland native (3B) Neil Walker will be. Walker, 23, will make his major league debut in September as he is penciled in for a callup following Labor Day. Walker is hitting .266 with 14 home runs and 69 RBI’s in 94 games played for Class AAA Indianapolis. The former first round pick has seen his stock plummet over the past couple years, hitting under .300 in Class AA and Class AAA. Walker will turn 24 on September 10th. For now, third baseman Andy Laroche is entrenched as the Pirates starting third base.

Defense in regular season form

Bills have 0 touchdowns, no sustained drives The NFL’s #1 defense stifiled the Terrell Owens less Buffalo Bills, limiting starting quarterback Trent Edwards to 31 yards passing. Veteran Linebacker James Farrior capped off the Steelers dominating first half, intercepting Edwards for a 22-yard interception return for a touchdown. Farrior who continues to get better with age also had 4 tackles and 1 sack on the night. William Gay has strong first half 3rd year cornerback William Gay enters his first season as a starter and he fits the mold of a typical Steelers cornerback. Gay is among the Steelers hardest hitting cornerbacks and led all Steelers cornerbacks with 4 tackles. The Steelers don’t expect to miss a beat with the

Logan earns a roster spot; Burnett on the bubble?

Logan shows poise and patience against Buffalo When the Steelers trim their roster to 53 on September 5th, former Canadian Football League star Stefan Logan will be among the 53 players the Steelers will go to battle with when the regular season begins on Thursday, September 10th. Logan, 28, was a major longshot to make the team entering training camp. He was a player without a position and missed the first two days of camp due to injury A running back in the CFL, Logan was moved to wide receiver early in camp but was the 8th or 9th wide receiver on the depth chart at best. Logan’s only way to make the team was to have a sensational preseason

Steelers blank Bills 17-0

Pittsburgh 17 – Buffalo 0 Photo: David Hague – Inside Pittsburgh Sports In their most important game of the preseason, the defending Super Bowl champions put on a dominating performance in the first half. Ben Roethlisberger went 15-of-19 for 168 yards and James Farrior had a 22-yard interception return for a touchdown as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Buffalo Bills 17-0 Saturday night. Post-Game Observations

Mendenhall will make his second start of the preseason

Buffalo Bills (1-2) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) With the starters expected to play the entire first half against the Buffalo Bills, the Steelers will get an extensive look at 2nd year running back Rashard Mendenhall.