THE FULLBACK HAS DISAPPEARED Here’s what offensive coordinator Bruce Arians had to say about who will start at fullback against the Titans.
Frank Summers
Steelers part ways with key veterans due to emergence of young players
Steelers may have their most talented team this decade With the season opener on Thursday, Sept. 10, the Pittsburgh Steelers informed 22 players on Friday that they will be placed on waivers this weekend. The Steelers had some difficult decisions to make which shows how talented and deep this team is. From 2009 first round pick Ziggy Hood to 2009 7th round pick David Johnson, a number of rookies and 2nd year players, could play a key role for the Steelers this season. Eight rookies have made the team, including 7 draft picks. Johnson will be the Steelers #3 tight end as the team will place TE Sean McHugh on injured reserve this week. Johnson will have a role on special teams and gets reps as a blocking back in certain running situations. Among the key veterans that were cut; FB Carey Davis, CB Anthony Madison and 2nd year playerRead More »
The Latest Roster Buzz
Summers still in the mix to earn a roster spot Despite missing two preseason games (hamstring) and not producing as a goal line back in training camp, 5th round pick Frank Summers remains under strong consideration to make the team. Summers performs well on special teams and the Steelers like his potential at full-back. Tonight is the most important game of Summers young career. Will the Steelers keep 4 tight ends? A discussion over the past week has been whether the Steelers will considering keeping four tight ends. Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth are locks and the really likes rookie David Johnson. Sean McHugh who under-went arthoscopic surgery is the wildcard. McHugh signed a three year contract in the off-season and he’s a player the Steelers want to keep him but the issue for the Steelers is that he won’t be ready to play for the first couple weeks ofRead More »
Tuesday Practice Report: Hampton discusses rumors of being cut
By Mike Bires PITTSBURGH _ When Jason La Canfora covered the Washington Redskins for the Washington Post, he was once described as a “combative” beat reporter. Well, it seems like he’s made an antagonistic report regarding Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton. La Canfora, who now works for the NFL Network, was asked on an “NFL Live Chat” if he sees any surprise cuts coming in the league.
Redman remains a longshot to make the roster
Redman needs to contribute on special teams Photo: David Hague – Inside Pittsburgh Sports Undrafted rookie running back Isaac Redman has not shown the ability to be a consistent performer on special teams, which will be his downfall to make the roster. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin indicated today again, that if Redman doesn’t show the ability to play special teams, he won’t make the team. For a number of players on the bubble, Tomlin has stated all summer that versatility is the key. Despite Redmans’ performance in the preseason and in practices, the chances are slim that he would see the field in a regular season game over Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall or Mewelde Moore. Therefore, the Steelers are going keep a roster spot for a player like a David Johnson who can play special teams, tight end and fullback. Summers needs to get on the field *RunningRead More »
Wednesday Practice Report: Steelers asking Wallace to step up his game as a blocker
Sunday’s Goal Line Drill
Day 4: Monday Morning Practice
By Mike Bires Photo: David Hague – Inside Pittsburgh Sports Several Pittsburgh Steelers starters missed Monday morning’s practice, including offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton. As the team worked out, Stapleton watched atop a hillside surrounding the athletic fields at St. Vincent College. If he was hurt, why wasn’t Stapleton on the field like the rest of the players who didn’t practice? Or was he banished for doing something wrong?
Pursuit of veteran wideout has no bearing on Limas Sweed
The pursuit of free agent wide receiver Ashley Lelie has no bearing on the progress of 2008 second round pick Limas Sweed. The pursuit of Lelie is to bring him in as a 4th receiver and act as a possible fall back plan if Sweed doesn‚Äôt progress into the #3 receiver that the Steelers think he will. 2009 3rd round pick Mike Wallace will contribute on special teams but he needs a lot of work on his route running as he makes the jump to the NFL. As of early Tuesday afternoon, the Steelers have yet to make an official offer to Lelie but Lelie‚Äôs representatives expect an offer to be made by mid-week. As expected the Steelers will release or trade linebacker Larry Foote within the next week. Mike Tomlin wanted to keep Foote but financial reasons played a factor in this move as the Steelers have a needRead More »
Scouting the Steelers Draft Selections
First Round Selection Evander (Ziggy) Hood, DE, Missouri Height: 6-2 7/8 | Weight: 300 | 40-Time: 4.89 College Career 2005: 18 tackles ‚Äì 1 sack 2006: 36 tackles ‚Äì 4 sacks 2007: 49 tackles ‚Äì 5 sacks 2008: 62 tackles ‚Äì 7 sacks Strengths: Hood played defensive tackle at Missouri but was drafted by the Steelers to be a defensive end in the NFL. Athletic, very good size and bulk which fits the Steelers kind of defensive end for a 3-4 scheme. Has an explosive first step and great quickness which has scouts optimistic that Hood will make the adjustment to defensive end in the NFL, quite easily. High motor and is versatile, can play DT and DE. Best attributes — Seen as being very coachable. A Steelers type of player and is regarded as a hard worker on and off the field. Weaknesses: Not a dominant run stopper, needsRead More »
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