Some good news on the injury front today.
Full Participation: Le’Veon Bell, Cortez Allen, and Steve McLendon.
Did Not Participate: Brett Keisel (hamstring)
Barring an unexpected setback, it’s looking very good for Bell and Allen to return to the field on Sunday. Keisel injured his hamstring during the Bears game, and McLendon has been battling a nagging hamstring injury, as well.
Below are the play counts for the offense and defense during last night’s loss to the Bears. Some notable numbers on offense include Beachum’s 16 plays where he subbed in for Adams and Gilbert. Wheaton was on the field for only 8 plays. Will Johnson saw 17 snaps, 5 of which were run blocking. David Johnson was in for 26 snaps, 14 of which where he served as a run blocker. Heath saw a good amount of time at 39 plays.
Offensive Play Counts
[table id=18 /]
On the defensive side of the ball, Jarvis Jones saw 40 plays to Jason Worilds’ 26. Steve McLendon saw a decrease in snaps this week due to his nagging hamstring injury at 30 snaps, 9 of which he rushed the passer. Al Woods saw 8 snaps- equal parts rushing and run blocking. Shamarko Thomas was in for 25 plays, 19 of which he was in coverage.
Defensive Play Counts
[table id=19 /]
The Steelers are the underdogs at home tonight. This is only the fifth time since 2000 that the Steelers have been underdogs at home. The Bears are favored by 2.5 points. The weather is going to be prime football weather with the forecast showing no possibility of precipitation. Should be mostly cloudy with temperatures in the low fifties. NBC should have a live feed of the broadcast up later located here: stlrs.co/18jQjkt
As always, you can listen to the local radio broadcast with Bill Hillgrove, Tunch Ilkin, and Craig Wolfley on iheartradio here: stlrs.co/18jQI6y
Even though the Steelers are underdogs, I predict they pull out a surprise win.
For the Steelers:
Landry Jones, Derek Moye, Le’Veon Bell, Cortez Allen, Isaiah Green, Cody Wallace, and Hebron Fangupo are inactive.
For the Bears:
WR Wilson, CB Wilson, RB Ford, G Brown, T Scott, DE Bass, DT Minter.
To the dismay of many, Derek Moye who has scored half of the Steelers touchdowns this season, is inactive tonight. Bell is also inactive, though Heath Miller will play. Felix Jones is listed as the starter at running back.
Troy made a recent appearance with Elmo on Sesame Street. The word of the day is fragrance, and Troy tries to help Elmo find something fragrant. After getting under an onion’s skin, and having his hair friz from the odor of his gym socks, he finally finds something ‘fragrant’ in the end. Troy never disappoints. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-Ig7X4wmPs
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The injury report for the Bears game is out, and based on reports, it’s looking more and more like Heath will play on Sunday. He may even start.
Out: Cortez Allen.
Questionable: Le’Veon Bell. Bell practiced again today, and isn’t ruling out playing on Sunday. How his foot responds to today’s practice will be a big deciding factor.
Probable: Curtis Brown, Jarvis Jones, Brett Keisel, Steve McLendon, & Heath Miller.
For the Bears:
Probable: Brandon Marshall, Kyle Long, and Martellus Bennet.
Questionable: Charles Tillman.
Max Starks has officially signed with the St. Louis Rams today. The former Steeler signed a one year deal, and will serve as a backup on the Rams roster. Many Steelers fans were calling for the return of Starks due to the offensive line’s struggles this season, but Max was not an answer. He struggled in preseason before being released by the Chargers on August 3oth.
Of the signing Jeff Fischer said, “Max is an experienced tackle who has had a lot of plays in this league. We brought him in for a workout and we really liked his workout. He’s been working very hard since he was released and you can’t have enough experience on your offensive line. We’ll get him ready to play in different packages and ready to back up if we need him.”
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Jory Rand, sports anchor for KDKA, reported via Twitter earlier that signs were posted around the Steelers locker room stating that anyone with less than 4 years NFL experience cannot play pool, shuffle board, or ping pong during business hours.
1 change to come out of Steelers veterans meeting yesterday is younger players arent allowed to play pool or ping-pong during business hours
— Jory Rand (@ABC7Jory) September 19, 2013
The signs indicated that the new rule only applied during business hours in the locker room- from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A few players were asked about it after practice. Ben Roethlisberger said he was unaware of the changes. When asked if the signs were new, Ryan Clark said, “Did you see them there yesterday?” Antonio Brown said, “Sometimes… a lot of veteran leaders allow young guys to be here on business hours and still have a good time…I think the older guys are cracking down and making sure guys on the clock are business savvy while they’re here.”
Most of the signs, however, were removed by the time practice had concluded. Share your thoughts on this in the Steelers Talk Forum.
Some really promising and unexpected news out of practice today- Le’Veon Bell was a full participant. Heath Miller, Curtis Brown, Steve McLendon, and Brett Keisel all were listed as full participants as well.
Jarvis Jones was limited.
Cortez Allen did not participate.
Heath was wearing a knee brace and said it would take some getting used to. He said he’s easing back into things, and how he feels Friday will determine if he plays Sunday. Bell carried the ball today in full pads, but I would personally be surprised if he made an appearance against the Bears. Great news on his progress either way, though.
Dick LeBeau said that he expects Jarvis Jones to return to practice fully tomorrow, and to play Sunday night.
Troy Polamalu is heading a fundraiser in an effort to help raise money for the VFW, and raise awareness for veterans causes. The program is called The VFW Mane Event and Troy has promised to cut his hair for the first time in ten years. How much of a trim Troy will get isn’t exactly clear. Originally Troy told organizers that the cut would total 10 inches, but earlier today, Troy said it would be a “ceremonial cut”. Either way, it’s a great idea and a great gesture by Troy. The cause has already raised $34,000 and there’s just under a couple months remaining. You can watch the promo video below and read more about the Mane Event here: http://www.vfwmaneevent.org/
Updated- Troy was on NFL Total Access Friday night, and said he would be cutting off a lock of his hair.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPNJ1fhHFR8