As expected, Ben Roethlisberger practiced today and is on schedule to start Sunday against the Cowboys at Heinz Field.
Roethlisberger, of course, was slightly injured Wednesday when he slipped dropping back to pass during practice and hyperextended his right knee.
© Aaron Smith, Travis Kirschke and Willie Parker were back at practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday and should be ready to go Sunday.
Strong safety Troy Polamalu did not practice Thursday with his sore calf, but is expected to play, perhaps even if he does not practice Friday.
© DeMarcus Ware was back at practice Thursday for Dallas, but in a limited fashion.
That's better news than Dallas had on running back Marion Barber and cornerback Mike Jenkins. Both missed their third day of practice this week Thursday.
In fact, head coach Wade Phillips said Barber is very doubtful this week, though he will be a game-time decision.
8 comments:
It seems like Dallas is going to have to rely on their passing game this week. Even if Barber plays, I heard he has a toe injury and theres just no way he'll be at a 100%.
I'm sure the Steelers are game planning for this and I think it works to their favor. Of course the run D is great, but giving LeBaeu time to focus on their passing game? Could be a nightmare for the Dallas offense.
As I said before, I have a strong feeling about this game.
Dale, 2 questions. On the Steelers website's official Message Board, theres a popular post about resigning Dan Krieder, who was released by the Rams. Any chance of this happening or is that just fans being fans? I don't see it happening with the way McHugh has played.
#2, McFadden is an interesting story this week. If he comes back and picks up where he left off, he's going to make a strong case for being reisgned after the season. But with the way Gay has played, maybe not? What I'm concerned about is the fact that maybe the great pass rush this year is making the entire secondary look better? McFadden couldn't crack the starting lineup in past years and now this year has been great, but the pash rush has been incredible this year. Do you think its that or did the light just finally go on for him?
As much as a pass rush helps a secondary, a good coner is still hard to find and it would be nice to get him signed in the offseason, but I just don't see it happening.
I don't see Krieder coming back. They don't really use a true fullback and he can't play special teams. If he had anything left, the Rams - who are devoid of talent - would have kept him.
Don't live in the past.
As far as the CB situation, the pass rush helps plenty, but the coverage has been good.
If you know you've only got to cover for three or four seconds, it allows you to take more chances.
Gay doesn't have top end speed, but he's a young Deshea Townsend.
I think McFadden is finally finding his way. He understands the system and everything is just clicking and slowing down for him. I like Gay as a backup and in the nickel but for him to cover some of the elite W.R.'s in this league, I wouldn't feel as secure as I do will B-Mac in. Now that doesn't say Gay won't find his way in the future. But for our sixth Super Bowl we need to sign McFadden. We have a five year window to get this team back to a dynasty. As it stands right now. I think we can get two more rings in those five years.
Zeke
Dale,
Who starts at corner, Bryant McFadden or William Gay? I know McFadden has missed some time, but when he is healthy, I think he is our best corner and second best DB on the squad next to Troy P.
Do you think the Steelers will be able to resign him this offseason? Others who are think are in line for extensions are James Harrison, Heath Miler, Keyaron Fox, and even Max Starks.
Also, with the team expected to have 9 draft picks this year and the draft somewhat deep in OTs, is this the perfect time to do a Palomula deal and trade up and get your starting LT of the future? Or do you do think they should go back to back OTs in the 1st and 2nd dround like they did with Timmons and Woodley to shore up a problem area?
And don't forget to give us your thoughts on the Steelers-Cowboys game on Sunday. I don't think this Dallas team is mentally tough enough to come up in Pittsburgh and get a win.
Thoughts?
Dale,
Do you think the Steelers list Dixon as a W.R. in this game? Can they do such a thing? I wouldn't think they would want to use him as the #2 Q.B. But to get him in to the game and to use a set that Dallas hasn't seen us use. I know it's a bizzar question, so if you respond with a "ROFLMAO" I understand.
Zeke
I haven't seen them do anything with Dixon other than play QB, so no.
Gay and McFadden rotated with the first-team D.
McFadden will be a tough re-sign, especially considering the $53 million deal Chris Gamble just got. McFadden doesn't have Gamble's track record, but it takes a high-profile corner off the market and sets the bar for free agent corners high.
I read where Troy practiced fully today-is that correct?
As did Ben.
Also read that the Cowboys Barber did NOT practice. Good news. I only wish Ware were out too.
"I haven't seen them do anything with Dixon other than play QB, so no."
Well I hope you wouldn't say so if you did. Not untill after the game that is.
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