Monthly Archives: August 2013

Steelers Sign OT D’Anthony Batiste, Waive Nik Embernate

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The Steelers  have signed veteran Tackle D’Anthony Batiste today and placed Offensive Lineman Nik Embernate on the Waived/Injured list. Embernate tore his ACL and MCL in practice on Thursday, so this move comes as no surprise. Embernate will go on the waiver wire, and if no team claims him (the odds of being claimed are little to none), then the Steelers will then be able to place him on IR, or work out an injury settlement. While on IR, he will not count towards the 90 man roster.

Batiste, who was scheduled for a workout, started 10 games for the Cardinals last season. He was rated last out of the available free agent Tackles by ProFootballFocus earlier this year.

Leonard Pope Signs With Bears

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Former Steelers Tight End Leonard Pope signed with the Chicago Bears today.

https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/363663873301168128

This spring, the Steelers signed former Bear (and Steeler) Matt Spaeth. Spaeth was ranked the best blocking Tight End by ProFootballFocus, and the second highest ranked free agent TE this year. Pope, who played under Todd Haley in Arizona/Kansas City and was familiar with his terminology last spring, made little impact here last season, and has historically had trouble blocking in the run game due to his massive height.

Viewing this as a roster swap of sorts, it’s hard not to cheer ‘Go Steelers!’ as the team clearly came out on top.

Nik Embernate Has A Torn ACL And MCL

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Nik Embernate, who was injured during yesterday’s practice, is reported to have torn his ACL and MCL. No surgery date has been given yet, but it’s safe to say that Embernate will not be playing this season. This is a very tough break for a kid who was getting second team reps at left Guard. Nicknamed “Embernasty” for his mean disposition, Nik was a fan favorite to make the squad.

Steelers To Bring In T D’Anthony Batiste For A Workout

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Adam Caplan of ESPN reports that the Steelers will be hosting D’Anthony Batiste for a workout.

https://twitter.com/caplannfl/status/363441623671119872

Batiste is a free agent Tackle who started ten games with the Cardinals last season. Batiste is a 7 year veteran who has seen time on various teams, most recently the Cardinals, Broncos, and Redskins. He was ranked 43rd out of 43 available free agent Tackles by ProFootballFocus earlier this year.

Cortez Allen To Miss Time After Knee Surgery

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Cotez Allen had minor surgery on his right knee this morning, and will miss at least a couple weeks. In a release earlier today, Mike Tomlin also said:

“We wanted him to get the surgery done now so he can begin rehabilitating immediately. This surgery was a minor procedure and will have no long-term effects on his return to the field. We look forward to his rehabilitation process and having him back on the field in a couple of weeks.”

William Gay will cover the left corner spot until Allen is able to return. Curtis Brown says he looks forward to getting the extra reps while Allen is sidelined, and I’d wager Josh Victorian feels the same way.

The Steelers signed CB Buddy Jackson off the waiver wire yesterday, in an effort to add depth to the secondary.

Steelers Release LS Luke Ingram, Sign CB Buddy Jackson

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The Steelers claimed CB Anthony “Buddy” Jackson off waivers, after being released earlier today by the Kansas City Chiefs. Jackson, a UDFA out of Pitt last year, was originally signed by the Colts and spent time on the Redskin’s Practice Squad last fall. He was waived by the Giants and Eagles this Spring before being picked up by the Chiefs.  Jackson missed a couple days of practice last week with a hamstring injury. Long Snapper Luke Ingram was released to make space on the roster for his signing.

On a related note, the Broncos claimed CB Nigel Malone off waivers, who the Steelers released on Tuesday.

 

 

Steelers Training Camp Injury Report- 8/01

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The Steelers concluded practice today with some new injuries to report. Offensive linemen Nik Embernate injured his knee during one on one drills. Coach Tomlin said in his meeting with the media that it was a significant knee injury. Embernate was carted off the field.

Jason Worilds had a toe injury of some kind. It could just be some minor discomfort and might just limit him for  a day or two, according to Coach Tomlin.

Mark Kaboly reported that LaMaar Woodley limited with some calf discomfort.

https://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib/status/363053329963696129

Tomlin also said he had no new information on the guys who were out, and they will be looked at on a day to day basis.

Nik Embernate Injures Knee During Practice

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Nik Embernate injured his right knee during one on one drills with Cordian Hagans.

The injury appeared to be serious, and he seemed to be in a lot of pain, and was ultimately carted off the field. Coach Tomlin says it appears to be a significant injury, but cannot give details until he undergoes medical evaluation. Embernate, an UDFA right guard out of San Diego State, was working with the second team today before injuring his knee.