Projected #2 quarterback Byron Leftwich found the injury bug for the second straight pre-season, though the team has not yet given up on his return later this season from what appears to have been a rather severely broken arm. After sustaining a sprained knee last season, Leftwich made his way back onto the roster. There is currently no telling how long he will be out this year, and it's still possible that he could be placed on IR if he is taking up a much-needed roster spot that would otherwise result in a gifted player -- say, a cornerback in the big, jumbled depth-chart mess behind Ike Taylor. The Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette initially expected just that, but there has been no decision. Regardless, though, the near-term fight for the numbers two and three QB spots are moot -- for now.
This will be the final take because, well, final cutdowns are rapidly approaching. Afterward, we'll see if I emulate Nostradamus -- or if I better resemble Matt Hasselbeck during the overtime coin flip of a 2003 Wildcard-round playoff against the Packers, in which he claimed, "we want the ball, and we're gonna score!" only to thrown a pick-six on the Seahawks' second possession of the extra period.
Unlike Matty H., I make no guarantees.
Death and taxes, Matt.
* - Projected Starter
New in this update
Other status update
Quarterback (3)
4 - Byron Leftwich
Despite his severe injury, he could still return -- and is still the best #2 option on the roster; he stays and the team goes thin at cornerback until his return
*7 - Ben Roethlisberger
Returned from suspension to put up one of his best seasons ever; looks sharper than ever and is playing with a lot of focus and confidence
10 - Dennis Dixon
Charlie Batch is beloved in Pittsburgh but he has only thrown four passes and played in garbage time so far in the pre-season. Dixon played well against the Eagles but was only used for late-game mop-up duty versus Atlanta -- the contest had been decided well before he joined the party -- but he did have one nice throw near the end zone.
16 - Charlie Batch
In my world, at least, Chuck Batch was the odd man out of this four-man race. In the near term, though, it looks as though he will be staying around. But, if and when Leftwich returns, something's got to give.
Runningback (4)
21 - Mewelde Moore
May be last year in Pittsburgh if Baron Batch comes back healthy from a torn ACL
27 - Jonathan Dwyer
Has a ton of power and a lot of speed; looks like a smaller, slightly less shifty Jerome Bettis but struggles to find open holes at times; will only dress if #s 34 or 33 wind up with an injury
33 - Isaac Redman
Absolutely will share more snaps this year; electric every time he touches the ball and has become a big-time fan favorite
*34 - Rashard Mendenhall
Is one of the NFL's elite runners and probably tries harder on every hand-off than anyone else in the NFL since Emmitt Smith retired, but has been used too much; should share more snaps with Redman this season to stay fresh into December and January
Wide Receiver (6)
*17 - Mike Wallace
Speedster has evolved into a well-rounded #2 and could have a massive season -- he has his sights set on 2,000 yards but we'd be happy with 1,200 and ten or so TDs; his presence has opened up the field for Antonio Brown
81 - Arnaz Battle
Special teams ace made his case to get more offensive snaps after great game versus Philly
82 - Jerricho Cotchery
Limited playing time will probably keep him off the field for most snaps early in the season; monster play out of Brown and the expected play of Manny Sanders could go a long way toward keeping Cotch there most of the season -- and given his pedigree, that says a lot about the talent in Young Money
84 - Antonio Brown
Breakout game versus the Falcons with TDs of 44 and 77 yards; the 77-yard catch was caught over the middle and he absolutely burned two defenders on a cut up the middle of the field en route to the end zone
88 - Emmanuel Sanders
Rookie performance guarantees him a roster spot despite foot injury keeping him down
*86 - Hines Ward
Pittsburgh's best ever has slowed but still is the most well-rounded receiver in the NFL; is beginning to hand the torch over to Brown, as evidenced by Brown's electrifying 77-yard scamper on a medium pass over the middle
Tight End/H-Back (3)
44 - Weslye Saunders
Despite limited playing time, his tremendous upside is going to get him a roster spot, where he can be actively groomed by Heath Miller, one of the very best in the game right now
*83 - Heath Miller
One of two or three best tight ends in the NFL; catches like a receiver and blocks like a guard
*85 - David Johnson
Despite being the team's "fullback" Johnson has been solidified as the #2 tight end after showing he's no one-trick pony -- his two 17-yard catches on the Steelers' opening drive against Atlanta set up the first of many Pittsburgh scores
Offensive Line (9)
NOTE: I am combining these spots going forward because of how much multitasking goes on within this team at O-line.
*53 - Markice Pouncey
Despite re-aggravating the same injury he sustained in the AFC Championship, Pouncey is and will continue to be the best lineman on this team -- 'Kice at 60% is better than almost any other O-lineman on the team at 100%
*64 - Doug Legursky
Won't have to worry so much about nose tackles now that he's apparently moved into the starting slot at right guard; athleticism should allow him to execute the types of blocks expected of a guard
65 - Marcus Gilbert
If he continues to play as well at left tackle as he did against the Falcons, Gilbert could be the new starting LT before the season Hills had his chance to shine against the Eagles and embraced it, playing as well as any other starting lineman, even after moving to left tackle following injuries to both Jonathan Scott and Marcus Gilbert; though listed as a tackle, he has more opportunity to start as a guard
*68 - Chris Kemoeatu
Incumbent left guard has no challenge to his position; a mauler in the run game, he still has issues in pass protection
XX - Trai Essex
Started 21 games in the last two seasons but was off the team when camp started and when camp broke thanks to weight issues; dropped what he termed a "significant amount" of weight to get back on the team, showing the front office his dedication; should be in the mix at right guard immediately despite being listed as a tackle and could get a crack at starting there one of the final two games of the pre-season
*72 - Jonathan Scott
Initially was shaky after replacing Max Starks last season but had solid if unspectacular play as the season progressed; replaces Starks permanently now but if Gilbert progresses a little more, this position could be up for grabs by mid-season
73 - Ramon Foster
Foster has the versatility to play both guard positions or center, but will find himself higher on the depth chart at guard; regardless, though, this spot is likely still up for grabs and someone like Chris Scott could still sneak in based on potential
*74 - Willie ColonReturns from a torn Achilles' tendon in '10 but is now the team's best tackle, no question
Nose Tackle (2)
76 - Chris Hoke
Hoke is a gem of a backup. Any 3-4 defense would pay good money to have a reserve of his caliber.
*98 - Casey Hampton
Aside from being this site's (nick)namesake, he's also still a top nose tackle. He's not quite what he was three or four years ago but he still commands the respect of at least two linemen on nearly every play.
Defensive End (4)
*91 - Aaron Smith
When healthy, is still one of the best 3-4 ends in the NFL, but health is a huge question mark at this point
95 Cameron Heyward
Rookie has a nose for the ball but needs to get his emotions in check a little; has played well enough in the pre-season that fans are clamoring for more
96 - Ziggy Hood
Replaced Smith so well last year that he will be sharing a lot of snaps this season
*99 Brett Kiesel
Best beard in the NFL. A darn good defensive end too.
Linebacker (9)
47 - Baraka Atkins
Has played very well and shows a combination of speed and strength despite his hulking size (6'4", 271 lbs.) the Steelers have got to love
48 - Mortty Ivy
Local kid (Monroeville, PA) who could make the roster as a backup; finished the pre-season tied for a team-high 19 tackles, but this spot could ultimately go to someone like Chris Carter, too, whose potential may be higher in the long run
50 - Larry Foote
Accepted backup role in return to Pittsburgh last year and still contributes, especially as James Farrior continues to age; could be starting for most teams
*51 - James Farrior
The rare player who seems to be getting better late into his thirties
55 - Stevenson Sylvester
Special teams beast his rookie year; will probably enter into more of a rotation this year
*56 - LaMarr Woodley
Could be the better of the two best outside 'backers in the league this year; signed for six more years of terrorizing Joe Flacco
*94 - Lawrence Timmons
Team's tackles leader in 2010 poised to only get better; first-ever draft pick by Mike Tomlin is no longer questioned and is signed for six more years
*95 - James Harrison
Still a beast but could be slowing down a little, possibly due to back surgeries in March; will still likely pick up 10 or more sacks in '11
97 - Jason Worilds
Outstanding in limited play last season; will probably see more snaps in '11, particularly early as Harrison gets back to top shape
Cornerback (6)
Update: Mike Tomlin has never kept seven CBs, so I think there will be a surprise cut in this group -- especially considering that Byron Leftwich could very well return from his injury. The young guys are too talented to let any of them go, though a guy like Crezdon Butler or Curtis Brown could very well be stashed on the practice squad for now.
20 - Bryant McFadden
Should be looking over his shoulder; Keenan Lewis an rookie Donovan Brown have shown outstanding coverage ability and a knack for making big plays; rookie Curtis Brown could be in play, too
*24 - Ike Taylor
Taylor got the contract he wanted after the lockout ended, and is far and away the best corner on the roster; many (myself included) believe he is among the NFL's elite at the position despite his inability to hold on to sure interceptions
28 - Crezdon Butler
In back-to-back games he posted a 95-yard pick-six and then got beat deep for a TD. Up and don so far this preseason but has the assets for at least being a future nickel back
*30 - Donovan Warren
Has quietly had a spectacular pre-season, not allowing any big plays, keeping the play in front of him and defending passes -- everything you can ask of a CB in this scheme; my pick to start against Baltimore since McFadden could still be hampered by injury a week from now
39 - Cortez Allen
Aside from overall play against the Panthers that bordered on spectacular, Allen has too much raw talent and prototypical physical traits to be allowed to reach waivers in hopes that he will make it to the practice squad
40 - Curtis Brown
Played well for the most part but did allow a deep ball to be caught when he was grossly out of position to defend it -- and near the goal line, too, though he made a good play to not let the receiver then slip away and into the end zone
Safety (3)
*25 - Ryan Clark
May be the hardest-hitting safety in the league; has a tendency to make big plays when the situation calls for it but also makes some hits that result in penalties, and got beat a fair amount in the Super Bowl
29 - Ryan Mundy
fourth-year player has become a nicely rounded safety who can tackle very well; tied for team lead in tackles with 19
*43 - Troy Polamalu
Back and playing his trademark style of controlled recklessness; if healthy all year, could be eve better than '10 when he won Defensive Player of the Year after making key plays in huge moments despite an Achilles' tendon injury
Kicker (1)
6 - Shaun Suisham
Replaced Jeff Reed at mid-season in '10 and played outstandingly well; had a shaky post-season but will be retained after knocking down most pre-season kicks, including a 53-yarder against Carolina
Punter (1)
9 - Daniel Sepulveda
Jeremy Kapinos subbed superbly last year after Sepulveda tore an ACL for the third time and has provided great competition in camp, but Sepulveda is much better at placing his kicks, which can be critical in tight games
Long Snapper (1)
60 - Greg Warren
Hard to lose a job if you have no competition, but the Steelers didn't even invite another long snapper to the party because of how solid Warren has been
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