Category Archives: Steelers News

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Troy Polamalu Will Start Tonight

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Throughout the week, there has been much speculation regarding Troy Polamalu’s availability for the Ravens game, and whether he should start tonight even if healthy. Some of that speculation was incited by Coach Tomlin earlier this week, when he was non-committal when asked about playing a healthy Polamalu.

Tomlin put the question to rest today. “Yes he does,” said Tomlin when asked if Polamalu will start. Tomlin added that it’s not a difficult decision when Troy is the subject. He also explained why he was non-committal about Troy earlier in the week.  “I needed to see him prepare. Sometimes a guy is able to play at the 11th hour and they don’t get the in-helmet preparation over the course of the work week.

“When you get to January football and the stakes are high, detail is going to define you. Not only him but us, and you need that in-helmet preparation to do it. He was able to practice this week, and so that made the decision easier. Had he not been able to practice this week, that’s an element of the discussion that makes it more complex. That’s what I was referring to earlier in the week.”

Troy practiced last week, but was inactive on gameday. If Polamalu does indeed start tonight, it will be the 15th time he’s done so in the post-season.

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Four Steelers Named To AP All-Pro Teams

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The Associated Press has released it’s 2014 All Pro teams today and four Steelers have made the list. WR Antonio Brown, C Maurkice Pouncey, RB Le’Veon Bell were nominated to the first team, and LB Lawrence Timmons was voted to the second team.

Here is the complete list:

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay, 44; Tony Romo, Dallas, 3; Tom Brady, New England, 2; Andrew Luck, Indianapolis, 1

Running backs: DeMarco Murray, Dallas, 48; Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh, 44; Marshawn Lynch, Seattle, 7

Fullbacks: John Kuhn, Green Bay, 18; Anthony Sherman, Kansas City, 14; Marcel Reece, Oakland, 12; Bruce Miller, San Francisco, 3; Marshawn Lynch, Seattle, 1; Kyle Juszczyk, Baltimore, 1

Tight end: Rob Gronkowski, New England, 50

Wide receivers: Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh, 49; Dez Bryant, Dallas, 24; Jordy Nelson, Green Bay, 15; Demaryius Thomas, Denver, 11; Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants, 1

Offensive tackles: Tyron Smith, Dallas, 35; Joe Thomas, Cleveland, 22; Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati, 14; Jason Peters, Philadelphia, 12; Ryan Clady, Denver, 4; Sebastian Vollmer, New England, 3; Joe Staley, San Francisco, 3; Ricky Wagner, Baltimore, 2; Trent Williams, Washington, 1; Lane Johnson, Philadelphia, 1; Jared Veldheer, Arizona, 1; Bryan Bulaga, Green Bay, 1; Louis Vasquez, Denver, 1

Guards: Marshal Yanda, Baltimore, 38; Zach Martin, Dallas, 24; Josh Sitton, Green Bay, 22; Kyle Long, St, Louis, 5; Mike Iupati, San Francisco, 4; Evan Mathis, Philadelphia, 2; Jahri Evans, New Orleans, 2; Joel Bitonio, Cleveland, 1; Dan Connolly, New England, 1; James Carpenter, Seattle, 1

Centers: Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh, 21; Travis Frederick, Dallas, 14; Nick Mangold, New York Jets, 7; Jason Kelce, Philadelphia, 5; Corey Linsley, Green Bay, 1; Rodney Hudson, Kansas City, 1; Ryan Kalil, Carolina, 1

Kickers: Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis, 25; Stephen Gostkowski, New England, 21; Matt Bryant, Atlanta, 1; Dan Bailey, Dallas, 1; Chandler Catanzaro, Arizona, 1; Justin Tucker, Baltimore, 1

Kick returners: Adam Jones, Cincinnati, 17; Darren Sproles, Philadelphia, 15; Devin Hester, Chicago, 14; Jacoby Jones, Baltimore, 3; De’Anthony Thomas, Kansas City, 1

DEFENSE

Defensive ends: J.J. Watt, Houston, 45; Mario Williams, Buffalo, 24; Calais Campbell, Arizona, 11; Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia, 5; Cameron Wake, Miami, 5; Michael Bennett, Seattle, 3; Elvis Dumervil, Baltimore, 3; Everson Griffen, Minnesota, 1; Jerry Hughes, Buffalo, 1; Robert Quinn, St. Louis, 1; Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets, 1

Defensive tackles: Ndamukong Suh, Detroit, 41; Marcell Dareus, Buffalo, 24; Gerald McCoy, Tampa Bay, 13; J.J. Watt, Houston, 5; Kyle Williams, Buffalo, 4; Aaron Donald, St. Louis, 4; Sheldon Richardson, New York Jets, 4; Sen’Derrick Marks, Jacksonville, 2; Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia, 2; Calais Campbell, Arizona, 1

Outside linebackers: Justin Houston, Kansas City, 47; Elvis Dumervil, Baltimore, 13; Von Miller, Denver, 11; Connor Barwin, Philadelphia, 11; DeAndre Levy, Detroit, 7; Clay Matthews, Green Bay, 5; Ryan Kerrigan, Washington, 3; Lavonte David, Tampa Bay, 2; Terrell Suggs, Baltimore, 1

Inside linebackers: Luke Kuechly, Carolina, 43; Bobby Wagner, Seattle, 31; C.J. Mosley, Baltimore, 9; DeAndre Levy, Detroit, 4; Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh, 4; Jamie Collins, New England, 2; Dont’a Hightower, New England, 2; D’Qwell Jackson, Indianapolis, 1; Brandon Marshall, Denver, 1; Clay Matthews, Green Bay, 1; Larry Foote, Arizona, 1; Mychal Kendricks, Philadelphia 1

Cornerbacks: Darrelle Revis, New England, 42; Richard Sherman, Seattle, 41; Chris Harris Jr., Denver, 9; Brent Grimes, Miami, 4; Vontae Davis, Indianapolis, 2; Aqib Talib, New England, 1; Joe Haden, Cleveland, 1

Safeties: Earl Thomas, Seattle, 39; Eric Weddle, San Diego, 16; Kam Chancellor, Seattle, 14; Glover Quin, Detroit, 13; Harrison Smith, Minnesota, 7; Antoine Bethea, San Francisco, 5; Devin McCourty, New England, 2; Tashaun Gipson, Cleveland, 2; Charles Woodson, Oakland, 1; Rashad Johnson, Arizona, 1

Punters: Pat McAfee, Indianapolis, 26; Johnny Hekker, St. Louis, 12; Sam Koch, Baltimore, 8; Kevin Huber, Cincinnati, 2; Bryan Anger, Jacksonville,

One glaring snub on this list is Ben Roethlisberger. Antonio Brown was the only Steeler voted in last year. He was nominated to the second team.

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Le’Veon Bell Has Been Ruled Out For The Ravens Game

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The Steelers announce that RB Le’Veon Bell has been ruled out for tomorrow night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. As I mentioned the other day, his availability would have been a surprise. Bell has not practiced all week, and according to one reporter, didn’t try running on his injured knee as of yesterday afternoon.

With Bell out, the Steelers will have to rely on Josh Harris, Dri Archer, Will Johnson, and newly signed veteran Ben Tate.

troy polamalu

Bell, Harrison Miss Practice; Troy, Ike, And McLendon Practice Fully

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The Steelers concluded practice without Le’Veon Bell again today. According to NFL Network reporter Adititi Kinkhabwala, Bell said he feels good, but did not try running today. Bell didn’t meet with the media today, but it might have something to do with the Michigan State game.

https://twitter.com/L_Bell26/status/550707732731670528

James Harrison and Landry Jones also missed practice due to illness. Landry Jones was throwing the ball around during practice before Tomlin sent him home. Can’t be too careful this time of year…

Ike Taylor (shoulder/forearm), Troy Polamalu (knee), Michael Palmer (groin), Mike Adams (illness) and Steve McLendon (shoulder) were all full participants today. With Polamalu practicing fully again today, it seems very likely that he’ll be in the lineup on Saturday night. Dick LeBeau said as much earlier today.

https://twitter.com/rayfitt1/status/550755486338150400

 

 

 

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Steelers Add WR Danny Coale To The Practice Squad

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The Steelers have signed WR Danny Coale to the practice squad. In a corresponding move, the team has placed WR Tim Benford on the practice squad injured reserve list.

https://twitter.com/SteelersPRBurt/status/550712946200834048

Benford was signed to the practice squad just a couple days ago, when the team released practice squad corner back Jordan Sullen.

Danny Coale was with the Steelers throughout training camp last summer. Coale was waived injured in August after suffering a displaced fracture in one of his fingers. The 6’0, 190lb receiver was drafted by the Cowboys in the 5th round of the 2012 draft. He is the son in law of former Steelers lineman Tunch Ilkin.

 

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Brown Named AFC Offensive Player of the Month, Special Teams POTW

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Antonio Brown has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month and the Special Teams Player of the Week today. Over the course of the month, Brown had 33 catches, for a toal of 440 yards and 2 touchdowns. This is the first time Brown has been named AFC Player of the Month.

The last Steelers Wide Receiver to earn the honor was Hines Ward in 2004.

Brown was also named the Special Teams Player of the Week for week 17 due to his 71-yard punt return which resulted in a touchdown.

https://twitter.com/AntonioBrown84/status/550338891694108672

Le'Veon Bell

Le’Veon Bell Not Limping Today By Many Accounts

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While much of Steeler Nation holds it’s collective breath regarding Le’Veon Bell’s injury, it appears that his condition is rapidly improving. Monday, reporters were saying that Bell could barely walk.

Yesterday, Coach Tomlin called Bell’s injury a hyper-extension of the knee, and said that Bell was riding the exercise bike at the Steelers facility. Today, by many accounts, Bell doesn’t appear to be limping at all.

https://twitter.com/BCTBradford/status/550300877203193856

https://twitter.com/dlolleyor/status/550311348886720512

https://twitter.com/AKinkhabwala/status/550301180182925312

https://twitter.com/AKinkhabwala/status/550305581664579584

This sounds like great news, but I wouldn’t get too excited. The Ravens game is only 3 days away. Personally, I think it’s a coin toss as to whether or not he’s available on Saturday, though, I’d be surprised if he’ll be able to play.

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[Audio] Mike Tomlin On Bell, The Ravens, And More

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Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin held his weekly Tuesday press conference with the media this afternoon. Some of the topics were the performance during the Bengals game, Le’veon Bell’s health, looking ahead at the Ravens, among many other topics. You can listen to the press conference in it’s entirety below.

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Steelers Sign RB Ben Tate, Release WR Justin Brown

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The Steelers made the anticipated signing of Ben Tate official this afternoon. Tate will wear #34. To make room on the roster for the signing, the team has released WR Justin Brown.

https://twitter.com/BobLabriola/status/550011502363951104

The release of Justin Brown makes a lot of sense, considering he hasn’t worn a helmet since week 6.

The 26 year old Tate has a career total of 540 carries, 2,363 yards rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He has also seen a fair amount of use in the passing game. He totals 67 pass receptions for a total of 347 yards over the course of his career.

With the status of Le’Veon Bell uncertain, adding a solid veteran this week is prudent. During his press conference, Coach Tomlin said that he believes Tate can contribute this Saturday, but it remains to be seen just how ready he can be with such short prep time.

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Report: Steelers Could Possibly Sign RB Ben Tate Today

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The Steelers are having former Browns running back Ben Tate in for a visit today according to ESPN.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/549911634765156352

Tate was drafted by the Texans in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft. He served a back up role behind Arian Foster in Houston until signing with the Browns as a free agent this year. While not an explosive back, Tate is a solid back up. The beginning of his season in Cleveland was hampered by a knee sprain, but he did manage 123 rushing yards in week 5. He hinted at times that the Browns run blocking was sub-par, and complained about sharing the work load with rookie running backs. The Browns waived him in the middle of November.

While Le’Veon Bell’s MRI showed no ligament damage yesterday, it’s still likely that he will not be able to play on Saturday night. If Bell has to sit out, the Steelers don’t have a lot of options aside from rookie running backs Josh Harris and Dri Archer.

Let’s not forget about Will Johnson. While he’s served more as a tight end, the veteran fullback is also an option for getting some carries. Todd Haley said in the beginning of the season that Will Johnson would serve as an emergency running back if Bell was hurt, so he could be part of the game plan.

According to Jason LaCanfora, the team isn’t planning on having any other running backs in for tryouts.

https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/549934794466160641