Midweek news, notes

It was kind of ironic today that offensive linemen Ramon Foster, Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro made their way through the lunch-time interview sessions today and much of the focus was on how close that unit is.

How close is it?

"If you pushed me now, they'd all be over here," Pouncey told reporters, motioning toward Foster and DeCastro.

Rookie Bud Dupree got a lesson in that on Wednesday at practice. Admittedly, I wasn't there today - I had to return to Washington to work a desk shift, missing just my second practice of this camp - and it apparently turned into a bit of a donnybrook with Dupree attempting to fight the entire offensive line.

If so, it at least shows that the rookie has some fire - though he might want to reconsider taking on those five guys.

Dupree hasn't been very impressive in the first two preseason games - causing at least one national media guy, Louis Riddick of ESPN, to call him out

That's silly. Dupree was a project when the Steelers selected him in the first round. He's a superior athlete who needs to develop his football IQ.

It might take two or three years for it to happen. It might never happen. But to expect it to happen in two preseason games and then call Dupree out when it does not is ridiculous.

Kind of like him challenging the offensive line to a fight.

* Alejandro Villanueva split out wide as a receiver in 7 shots today. He didn't come down with the pass from Ben Roethlisberger, but the Steelers are certainly taking a long look at the young man.

After working at left tackle throughout training camp, he moved back to the right side this week. Could he be the swing tackle this year? I don't think so, but with Chris Hubbard now working at center, Cody Wallace should be concerned.

I don't know if they'll keep nine offensive linemen on the active roster.

* Jordan Zumwalt is the latest guy to head to the Waived/Injured List. He did so Wednesday to make room for linebacker L.J. Fort, who was claimed off waivers from New England.

Zumwalt was one of those players who looked great in games and terrible in practice. But he also has had issues staying healthy - his rookie season ended on injured reserve/

I like the move to sign Fort. Why not let Bill Belichick wonder how much the Steelers are picking his brain before he's eventually released?