Latest Injury Report/Personnel Buzz: Dwyer named starting RB; Team preparing to start Batch for now

Mike Tomlin summed up Sunday’s loss as a total failure. “It was a failure and still looked that way yesterday when we reviewed it,” Tomlin said. “Very rarely do you lose a game and can point to a few ares of failure for why you lost, but we turned the ball over and were penalized on offense. We talked all week about being backup quarterback friendly. “Those things aren’t backup quarterback friendly. I chiefly accept responsibility for the lack of ball security. That eliminated any chance for rhythm and success. It’s quite amazing that we only lost by six points. Fumbling is unacceptable.”

QB Situation: The Steelers coaching staff as of today is preparing to start Charlie Batch. “Right now Charlie Batch is our quarterback until otherwise,” Tomlin said, indicating the staff is preparing a game plan centered around Batch’s strength’s. However, Ben Roethlisberger threw the ball yesterday and according to Tomlin, “has a chance” to play vs Ravens. “He’ll take steps maybe toward playing this week. We’ll leave that door open. He’s got a chance,” Tomlin said. Byron Leftwich recovering from rib fractures also threw yesterday, according to Tomlin.

Running Back Rotation: “Jonathan Dwyer is going to be our starting running back,” Tomlin said, indicating Dwyer is the most productive player of late and has been the most consistent. Dwyer, according to Tomlin, will get the bulk of carries.

Beachum to start at RT: While there has been chatter that Ramon Foster would move over to right tackle in place of the injured Mike Adams, Tomlin indicated today that rookie Kelvin Beachum will start at right tackle in place of Adams who has been ruled out with an ankle sprain. Tomlin called Foster an option to play at RT but said the best option is Beachum right now.

Colon likely back: Tomlin indicated that Willie Colon’s knee is better and he should be able to start on Sunday.

DeCastro status: The Steelers yesterday placed Marcus Gilbert on IR, activating David DeCastro. Tomlin made it sound today the team is not planning to start DeCastro this week. “With Marcus, we put him on IR, gave him to six to seven weeks for ankle to perk up and it has not,” Tomlin said. Surgery is an option, Tomlin indicated. “David DeCastro he’s healthy enough to proceed, will work him in practice,” Tomlin said.

Brown on track to play: Tomlin indicated that top WR Antonio Brown is scheduled to practice on Wednesday and is on track to play

Jerricho Cotchery ran yesterday and has a good chance to be able to play Sunday, according to Tomlin. Are the Steelers likely to dress five WR’s on Sunday? Tomlin mentioned that Plaxico Burress provided the team a “short in the arm” by drawing a pass interference penalty at the end of the 1st  half and seemed pleased with what he brought to the table, saying there’s a “chance his role could expand” (outside of redzone package) as he gets accustomed to what the Steelers want from him. However, with Brown back, playing time is going to be limited for Plax.

Sanders leaping Wallace:? Emmanuel Sanders has moved up the depth chart as the No. 2 receiver over Mike Wallace in certain “situations” according to Tomlin. “Mike was frustrated on Sunday,” Tomlin said. “He’s not producing in the matter he’d like to or we’d like to.” Sanders has 157 receiving yards in his last two games.

Woodley likely out: Tomlin today categorized LaMarr Woodley as doubtful for Sunday’s game with an ankle injury.

Polamalu Latest: There’s not a great sense of optimism that Troy Polamalu will play Sunday, but Polamalu will practice tomorrow, and according to Tomlin “has a chance to play.”