Steelers/NFL
Tidbits from Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians
*Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is antsy to air out the ball in five receiver sets this season but any five receivers sets this Sunday versus the Baltimore Ravens are expected to feature Heath Miller or Arnaz Battle as the 5th receiver.
Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery did not practice today and is not likely to dress on Sunday. Cotchery continues to deal with a lingering hamstring injury that is keeping him sidelined longer than usual. He was further evaluated by the Steelers staff today.
Arians said today that Arnaz Battle will be the No. 5 receiver, if Cotchery is unable to play.
*Which rookie could have the biggest impact this season for the Steelers? Bet here is 2nd round pick Marcus Gilbert. Arians said today,
that Gilbert has established himself as the primary backup behind Jonathan Scott and Willie Colon. If Scott struggles this season, the Steelers could feel that Gilbert is ready by mid-season. The Steelers have been comfortable enough with Gilbert’s progress, that they don’t see the need to sign a veteran backup offensive tackle.
*Doug Legursky who will open the season as the team’s starting right tackle, will also be the No. 2 center and if Maurkice Pouncey were to get injured, Legursky will move to center, according to Arians.
Trai Essex is currently the backup right guard and No. 3 center.
*Arians said today that backup running back Isaac Redman will get more carries and be involved in the offensive little bit more this season but the offense will continue to run through Rashard Mendenhall.
Arians had high praise for Mendenhall, calling him the Steelers “lead dog” and believes he’s in for a special season. Arians appears to be very pleased with Mendenhall’s progression in the passing game and the sense is the coaching staff expects to get him more involved in that area.
