Steelers/NFL
PITTSBURGH — The 2-2 Pittsburgh Steelers will have several changes on both sides of the ball for Sunday’s contest vs the Tennessee Titans.
Lets start with the offense:
On the offensive side of the ball, starting left guard Chris Kemoeatu (knee) has been ruled out of Sunday’s game along with running back Mewelde Moore (ankle).
Doug Legursky will get the start at left guard.
From left to right the Steelers starting offensive line will be:
LT Max Starks – LG Doug Legursky – C Maurkice Pouncey – RG Ramon Foster – RT Marcus Gilbert
At the running back position, Isaac Redman is preparing to see extensive playing time and could start.
Rashard Mendenhall practiced on Friday and is officially listed as questionable. Mendenhall has improved throughout the week but even if he plays, the Steelers will look to limit his workload.
Jonathan Dwyer will be active for the first time this season and second time of his career. The Steelers have packages ready for Dwyer who could be the primary backup.
On the defensive side of the ball Aaron Smith (foot), Casey Hampton (shoulder) and James Harrison (eye) will all miss Sunday’s game.
On the defensive line Ziggy Hood will start at LDE, Chris Hoke at NT and Brett Keisel returns and will start at RDE.
Keisel practiced all week and said his knee feels great.
Steve McLendon is expected to see significant playing time behind Hoke, while Cameron Heyward should see his fair share of action.
At linebacker, Larry Foote moves into the starting lineup and Lawrence Timmons will move outside.
Left to Right: LOLB LaMarr Woodley – MLB James Farrior – MLB Larry Foote – ROLB Lawrence Timmons.
In the secondary, Pittsburgh will go with the same starting four:
LCB Ike Taylor – RCB William Gay
SS Troy Polamalu – FS Ryan Clark
Keenan Lewis is the primary backup at corner and will move to the outside when the Steelers move William Gay inside for nickle back situations.
Cortez Allen (ankle) is questionable and not likely to be active.
Bryant McFadden who has lost his starting job, expects to be active but it remains to be seen where he falls into the rotation. The Steelers have been comfortable with William Gay’s play and he will remain the starter for the immediate future.
