THURSDAY’S OTA PRACTICE NOTES
— Another OTA practice, another reference from Ben Roethlisberger about the Steelers moving to a run oriented offense. “We’ll be running the ball a lot, so hopefully everyone can stay healthy and we can keep pounding {ball} for 4 quarters, “ Roethlisberger said after today’s OTA practice…..I’ll believe it when I see it.
— Roethlisberger for the second straight year is pulling for the Steelers to bring back LT Max Starks who is recovering from acl surgery. Roethlisberger wore a Starks jersey today, like he did last summer in training camp (picture above from 2011 camp). “The guy proved himself, ” Roethlisberger said, indicating the main question with Starks coming back is whether he’s healthy and Roethlisberger belives he is.
The Steelers have remained in contact with Starks and Starks has been around the facility and had a medical check with the team a few weeks ago. The plan remains the same for management; They will evaluate the situation closer to training camp.
— 5th round pick Chris Rainey has shined in OTA’s, showing explosiveness out of the field and is an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield. “He’s good out of the backfield and he’s got good hands, ” Roethlisberger said of the rookie running back.

— While Rainey has shined on the offensive side of the ball, 3rd round pick LB Sesn Spence has really stood out and flies around the field. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has taken noticed. “He’s done everything any first year player could do in the coaching sessions without pads, ” Lebeau said. I think we’re in the right direction there {with him}.”
— There are big expectations for second year cornerbacks Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown as both will be in the mix for the starting left cornerback spot with Keenan Lewis. “I definitely feel good about Cortez and Curtis, ” LeBeau said today.