The Latest Steelers Buzz

AFC North hasn’t been kind to Keisel: First it was the Cleveland Browns and now it may be the Cincinatti Bengals that could put defensive end Brett Keisel on the sidelines. Mike Tomlin sounded concerned following the game in regards Brett Keisel who went down in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. There is already speculation that the injury is serious and Keisel will be put on IR. For the Steelers sake let‚Äôs hope the injury is not as serious as some believe. The Steelers are very thin at defensive end and DT Casey Hampton remains bothered with his groin injury that will likely bother him the rest of the season, although Hampton will continue to play with the injury.

End of the road for Willie Parker?: Running back Willie Parker has had a difficult time staying healthy this season. Parker was non-existence prior to tweaking his knee Thursday night, gaining 37 yards on 14 carries. At age 28 could next season be Parkers final season in Pittsburgh?

Parker Signed a four-year, $13.6 million contract in the summer of 2006. Parker will earn $3.35 million in 2009 the final year of his contract. He will be a free agent in 2010. With Rashard Mendenhall waiting in the wings, next season could be Parker’s last in a Steelers uniform. Word is Parker has been reluctant to share the ball and continues to call out the coaching staff through the media that he wants 30 carries a game. How will he feel if Mendenhall gets 15-17 carries per game next season and he gets 10-12 carries? Also Backup running back Mewelde Moore is two years younger than Parker and signed a modest three-year, $4.95 million contract.

The Steelers top priority following the season will be locking up Heath Miller to a longterm extension.

Aaron Smith only had 3 tackles in yesterday’s game but he played a very good game and was causing havoc at the line of scrimmage. There is not a more underrated player defensive end in this league

The drop balls at key situations continue to haunt Nate Washington.

2nd round pick Limas Sweed saw some key playing time against the Bengals and had two catches for 25 yards, including a key reception on third down in the fourth quarter to keep the chains moving. Sweed is improving on a week to week basis and has improved his route running, most notably his first couple steps off of the line of scrimmage. Where he needs to improve is his aggressiveness after the catch.

Photo courtesy of Inside Pittsburgh Sports