Steelers Friday Notes
*Defensive end Brett Keisel did not practice for a third straight day due to a sore hamstring. Keisel will not play this weekend against the New Orleans Saints. Coming into the week, Keisel was believed to be a week away from playing, so his absence is not a shock.
2009 1st round Ziggy Hood will make his first career start at left defensive end in place of the injured Aaron Smith. Nick Eason will start at right defensive end for the second straight week.
*Linebacker LaMarr Woodley practiced for the second straight day and will be in the starting lineup. It remains to be seen if Woodley gets through the entire game.
*Right guard Trai Essex has regained his starting job. According to Mike Bires of the Beaver County Times, Essex will be back in the starting lineup against the Saints after missing the past four games.
Doug Legursky has started the past four games as Essex was sidelined with an ankle injury. Legursky’s play has slowed down of late and had two key holding penalties in the Steelers 23-22 win over the Dolphins. The move back to Essex is not a surprise.
*RT Flozell Adams (ankle) participated fully for the second straight practice. As expected, he will be in the starting lineup.
*The Steelers will activate defensive lineman Steve McLendon from the practice squad to their active roster on Saturday. To make room for McLendon, the Steelers will release a player from their 53-man roster.