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Wednesday, October 07, 2015

Mid-week news and notes

Martavis Bryant sat out today's practice but said he plans on being back at practice Thursday.

The Steelers don't have to put out an official injury report until Thursday, but suffice it to say, they appear to be very healthy heading into Monday night's game at San Diego.

* Antonio Brown said on his weekly radio show Tuesday night - of which I am a co-host - that he did have more issues than he thought he would catching passes with a left-handed spin from Mike Vick.

He also said some of Vick's balls cut through the air a little differently than those thrown by Ben Roethlisberger, forcing him to make other adjustments.

Brown spent plenty of time after practice Wednesday working on catching balls with a left-handed spin - including extra time with Vick - and he should have that rectified Monday.

Brown did, however, say that he was at fault for two of the incompletions -  one in the end zone and another along the sideline - and that it's his job to catch the passes no matter who is throwing them.

* The Steelers will have to make a roster move to activate Bryant to their 53-man roster by Monday.

There aren't a lot of candidates.

Anthony Chickillo was signed to the active list but now must spend at least three weeks on the active roster.

Tight end Jesse James, running back Dri Archer and fullback Roosevelt Nix would be the most likely candidates to go, All would be eligible to be placed on the practice squad.

It's unlikely that James would make it that far, though you never know at this time of year as teams play roster games to account for injuries.

There's also always the off chance they let an offensive lineman go - say Doug Legursky - and kick the can down the street a couple of weeks.

Mike Adams will be eligible to come off the PUP list after six games and the Steelers will have to make a decision at that time with their line. They could go for the next couple of games with seven active linemen and hope they avoid injuries.

If they don't, they can always sign Legursky - or another lineman - to fill in the back end of the roster.

17 comments:

datruth4life said...

Dale, there have been some reports that Shazier was back in a sling after Wednesday's practice. Is he not going to be active for Monday? Also, do you think Dri makes it past Monday's cut for Bryant as well? He is not a better football player than Toddman. I'm sure Colbert might want to save face and keep Archer but I think Tomlin would want the player that best will help him win football games now. That is why I don't think Nix is going anywhere. He is tied for the team lead in special teams tackles. What is Terence Garvin doing so far this year? Haven't heard his name called at all.

And lastly, have you seen the rookie kicker do anything in practice yet? Thanks.

Unknown said...

I did not see Shazier in a sling. And I saw him practice. Who reported that?

Haven't seen much from the new kicker.

Unknown said...

Ventrone and Hubbard would be 52 and 53. All of the young players have higher potential.

SBK said...

Fittipaldi (spelling) tweeted it. He was in a sling after practice.

Anonymous said...

Adamski of the Trib tweeted Shazier was in a sling.

Dale Lolley said...

Again, I didn't see that. Only saw him practicing. Didn't see anything that he did to hurt it at practice. Could have been precautionary.

Dale Lolley said...

And Ray didn't report that. It was Adamski. And it was against the rules of us being permitted at practice. Not that you guys care.

Only way we are permitted to report that kind of thing is if a player or coach tells us somebody didn't practice. But, as you can see, it could give the Chargers some insight into what the Steelers are planning. Or, it could be a deke. Make them think he's not playing.

Anonymous said...

With Spaeth out, they used Hubbard last week as the 2nd TE, 3rd OT. I doubt he's going anywhere. And I doubt they cut their STs captain.

Colin A said...

I think Todman would be cut before any of those listed

SBK said...

You're correct, I had Ray on my mind due to his Bryant tweet. I apologize for referencing incorrectly.

~SBK

Anonymous said...

looking forward to see if shazier practices today. have to admit, seems a bit strange the head coach comments regarding "dramatic" improvement then player walks around in a sling.

Dale Lolley said...

Spaeth practiced Wednesday. Golden is their special teams captain. And he's also now third in the safety pecking order. He's not getting cut.

Tom said...

Here's to hoping they cut Jesse James. The only tape teams have on him is those horrific drops from the preseason. Even if he does get claimed the Steelers could just try again next year in the draft with a tight end (could even be a higher round pick if they want to find Heath's replacement). If this kid didn't go to Penn State there would be no remorse for cutting him, IMO.

datruth4life said...

Dale, why would the Steelers cut Legursky and he's been dressing as the backup C/G on gamedays? If anything, I think they could release Chris Hubbard since they now have Finney on the practice squad. However, it'd be much easier to just cut the chord on Dri Archer, particularly if you can't find a role for him on this offense or as a full-time PR/KR.

datruth4life said...

You seen anything from the rookie K Boswell? Every scouting report says he has a big leg so here's hoping he can at least put it out of the endzone 90 percent of the time or better. That makes a big difference for your defense in today's NFL. Part of the reason why Justin Tucker is worth his wait in gold for the Ravens. That and being able to nail clutch 50+ yard kicks in overtime to win games.

Done By Forty said...

Archer seems to be the logical cut. Remembering from last year, Wheaton was better on kickoff returns anyway.

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