Monthly Archives: May 2014

Matt-Spaeth-Steelers

Update On Matt Spaeth’s Injury

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Last week I reported that Matt Spaeth was one of the few Steelers who was rehabbing an injury during OTA’s, but at the time, it wasn’t clear if the injury rehab was related to his Lisfranc, or a different injury entirely. According to Scout.com writer Jim Wexell, Spaeth’s rehab activities this week were indeed related to the Lisfranc surgery he had last September.

Spaeth’s Lisfranc surgery required multiple screws to be inserted into his foot. Those screws started to become loose, so they were removed four weeks ago. The veteran tight end spent much of the time this week running on the sidelines at OTA practice. According to Spaeth, via Scout.com, he looks forward to being able to play without foot pain this season. Spaeth added, “I haven’t felt this good in a long time.”

The injury first occurred during training camp early last August. A few weeks later, the team placed Spaeth on IR with the return designation. He returned to practice November 21st and was subsequently activated on December 7th. He saw limited reps for much of the remaining 4 weeks, participating for a total of 132 snaps.

Hopefully Matt Spaeth has a full and productive season this year.

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Overreactions Abound Regarding Archer’s OTA Absence

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As you likely know, Steelers speedy draft pick Dri Archer missed OTA time this week reportedly due to illness. This morning, Ed Bouchette reported that while Archer was excused from OTAs earlier this week due to illness, he was present for the NFLPA rookie premier activities in LA. The post was titled, Rookie Archer Blows Off OTAs.

Bouchette’s post created quite a stir on social media platforms, leading many fans to believe that Archer was playing sick, or lacking commitment. While it seems reasonable to question why a rookie would seem to be “too sick” to appear for OTAs, but not for some lavish event in Los Angeles, that’s not the case at all.

Per the CBA, rookie attendance is not optional at the NFLPA Rookie Premier. From the CBA:

Section 7.
Rookie Premiere:
Invited Rookies will be permitted by their respective Clubs to attend the NFL Players Rookie Premiere provided that: (i) such event is scheduled during the month of May; (ii) such event encompasses a maximum of four consecutive days, including both a Saturday and a Sunday; and (iii) the NFLPA provides the NFL with the dates for the next Rookie Premiere not later than February 1 of each year.

If there is any question as to whether or not that validates Archer’s OTA absence this week, NFL Spokesman Greg Aiello made a statement about this very subject two years ago via profootballtalk.

“Yes, it’s mandatory per the CBA,” Aiello told ProfootballTalk. “No, a player invited to the Rookie Premiere by the NFLPA cannot choose instead to work out at the team facility. He cannot be at the team facility during the Rookie Premiere.”

So, that should settle that. Hopefully Archer is feeling better, as travelling while sick is never a good time.

derek moye

Steelers Release OG Nik Embernate, Sign OL Emmanuel McCray

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The Steelers announce that they have released left guard Nik Embernate this morning. OG/OT Emmanuel McCray was signed with the available roster spot.

Embernate was rehabbing his knee from multiple ligament tears that he suffered last August. If he remains unsigned, it’s possible the team will bring him back down the road. Embernate had a long way to go before being ready to return to action. According to Trib reporter Mark Kaboly, he wasn’t close in terms of recovery.

McCray, who measures in at 6’5″, 315 lbs, was signed by the Rams as an undrafted free agent earlier in the month. He was released a few days later. McCray played mostly guard at Ole Miss. He ran a 5.50 40 yard dash and a 1.94 10 yard split at their Pro Day. These types of tire-kicking signings are common during this time of year.

David Decastro contract

Steelers Sign CB Shaquille Richardson

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The Steelers have signed another one of their draft picks this morning. Selected with the team’s first of two fifth round picks, Richardson is now under contract for four years. As I projected a couple weeks ago, Richardson’s 2014 cap number will likely be right around $467,513. The total value of his contract should be at or just about $2,410,052, with a signing bonus of $190,052.

If you’re not familiar with the number crunching behind rookie contracts, here’s a quick breakdown behind determining his 2014 cap number. To determine his 2014 cap hit, simply divide the signing bonus by 4. Signing bonuses are prorated across the life of the contract. Rookies carry a first year salary of $420,000. Add that to the $47,513, and you’re left with the $467,513 total from above.

With this signing, the team now has the last 5 of their 9 draft picks under contract. They still have cap space for more signings, but they will have an additional $8 Mil on Monday to pen the remaining picks to deals, which I expect them to do in fairly short order.

Adam Podlesh

Steelers Waive OT Kaycee Ike

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Following up on the report from earlier, according to the NFL transaction sheet, the Steelers have waived OT Kaycee Ike today. The team had to release someone to make room for the addition of  Deion Belue, whom they were awarded via waivers. The team is currently carrying the maximum of 90 players on the roster.

Ike was one of several undrafted free agents signed by the team earlier this month.

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Steelers Awarded CB Deion Belue Off Of Waivers

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The Steelers have been awarded Deion Belue off of waivers according to the NFL transaction sheet and various reporters. Belue was signed by the Dophins earlier this month as an undrafted free agent. He was waived by the Dolphins yesterday.

The former Alabama cornerback was productive in 2012, but was limited for much of 2013 with a foot injury. In 2012, he totalled 40 tackles, 9 passes broken up, and 3 interceptions. (In 2013, it was 20 tackles and 1 interception.)

He measured in at 5’11, 182 lbs at the NFL Scouting Combine, but did not participate in the 40 yard dash or other agility tests. Since the Steelers roster is currently full, I would expect the team to announce the release of a player in the very near future to make room for his addition.

 

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Archer And Worilds Absent From OTA’s Today, Others Sidelined

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RB/WR Dri Archer and LB Jason Worilds were absent from practice today. Counting Ike Taylor, Troy Polamalu, and Jordan Zumwalt, that makes five players missing from today’s voluntary practice.

Archer was sent home sick yesterday morning according to Scout reporter Jim Wexell. Hopefully his illness isn’t serious. Tomorrow is the last practice of the week before the team adjourns until next Tuesday.

Jason Worilds reportedly left practice early yesterday with his left thigh wrapped. While the team hasn’t made any official statements about it, Worilds told some reporters it was cramping. Mark Kaboly of the Trib painted a different picture this morning on the radio.

According to Kaboly, Jason Worilds got his foot caught up as he was running in and went down in the heap of players. While Worilds later said it was cramps, Kaboly says it was his hamstring. Hopefully it was the former and not the latter.

DE Nick Williams, OG Nik Embernate, and TE Matt Spaeth did not participate, but were all in attendance rehabilitating today at the South Side. Williams, who is recovering from surgery to repair a knee subluxation, said last month that he was hoping to be able to do some type of work in OTA’s. Embernate is also rehabbing his knee. “Embernasty” tore his ACL and MCL last August. Neither were expected to be full participants at the start of OTAs. The nature of Spaeth’s rehab is unknown at this time.

RB Miquel Maysonet and WR  Jasper Collins were sidelined today according to Wexell. Hopefully just minor issues are keeping them out. Every minute counts when you are a youngster hoping to beat the odds and crack a roster spot, or perhaps even a practice squad spot down the road.

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Coaches Do The Right Thing, Ryan Shazier Starter Out Of The Gate

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In what you might call a step away from the norm for the Steelers coaching staff, Ryan Shazier started OTA’s lined up with the first team defense. While it’s only “football in shorts”, you have to applaud this move. It’s refreshing to see the team commit to a defensive rookie in this way, one who needs every rep he can get next to Lawrence Timmons, if he’s going to live up to his full potential this year.

Shazier lined up extensively at the Mack ILB position next to Timmons yesterday, but he knows the starting position won’t be handed to him. “You have to work for everything you have,” Shazier told reporters Tuesday. “I am just going to go out there, just like everyone else, go day-to-day and try to earn my job, and try to make sure I can do everything I can to help this team. I just have to keep showing the coaches that I know what I am doing to help this defense, and go out there and play.”

The former Ohio State linebacker said he’s trying to learn as much as he can from Timmons, who’s lining up at Buck during OTA’s.

“He’s one of the better linebackers in this game right now,” he said.  “I’m trying to learn a few things from him. To learn from someone like that is amazing.”

Timmons said the rookie speedster can run down anyone. “4.4. What can you say? That’s enough said, right? The guy can run down anyone. [He’s an] amazing athlete. Once he puts it together he’s going to be a problem,” Timmons went on to say that he’s going to do all he can to help Shazier. “I’m going to try to help him out the best I can. Anything I see that he might need to know and it’s before the snap, I’ll give it to him. I want him to be a sponge, just react. If something’s too much, tell me and I’ve got his back.”

I fully expect Ryan Shazier to break the long running streak of Steelers rookies who don’t start on the Steelers defense during the season opener. The last Steelers defensive rookie to do so was Kendrell Bell, who started at the Mack LB position in 2001.

Maurkice-Pouncey

Pouncey Was “Full Go” For Day One Of OTAs

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Veteran Center Maurkice Pouncey told reporters that he had no restrictions during his first full practice back with the team since having surgery on his ACL and MCL last September. “I am out here, full go,” Pouncey said after practice concluded Tuesday. “It was pretty neat man, to go out there and drive block guys and finish on some plays. Man, it was pretty awesome. ”

While it wasn’t a full speed, full contact practice in pads, for Pouncey and his teammates, his return was meaningful. “It was a big step,” said Pouncey. “For the coaches to see it, for my teammates to see it, and for me myself to see it, it was pretty cool.”

“It’s comfortable. He’s a comfort blanket. He’s a leader of this team, a leader of the offensive line, and it’s just good to see him out there,” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told media after practice.

“I thought he could have played at the end of last year. That’s how hard he worked. I really believe he could have played last year, because that’s the type of competitor and athlete that he is.”

Ramon Foster echoed the sentiments. “It was good. I shook his hand like we were business partners today. It was good to have him out there, and he was ecstatic about it too. It was a good vibe for him and for us also.”

Foster also said he was surprised at how ahead of schedule Pouncey is. “I think he’s ahead of schedule…as far as his movement and what he was doing, I was shocked.”

When asked when he started feeling pretty good, Poucney said, “A month and a half, two months ago, I started feeling really great, especially in the weight room.”

https://twitter.com/BCTBradford/status/471326568888143873

Cortez Allen contract

Steelers Sign Wesley Johnson And Jordan Zumwalt

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The Steelers have signed two more of their rookies to contracts today. Offensive lineman Wesley Johnson, who the team selected with their 5th round compensatory pick, and linebacker Jordan Zumwalt, who was picked in the 6th round.

Here are my estimates for their contract values from a couple weeks ago: http://thesteelersfans.com/2599/breaking-rookie-salaries-cap-implications/

As you can see, neither player’s 2014 cap hit will crack the top 51 right now. Johnson’s 2014 cap number will almost certainly be $456,140, and Zumwalt’s will be very close to $446,213. Johnson’s guaranteed signing bonus will be for $144,560, and Zumwalt’s will be very close to $104,852. Those signing bonuses are prorated over the life of their contracts. All rookie players are signed to four year deals.

The team can “afford” to sign more of their picks right now from a cap standpoint, but they may wait to do so until after June 1st. After Woodley’s $8 Mil drops off the books, expect the team to sign any remaining draft picks in short order.