fordfixer
11-26-2010, 01:15 AM
Steelers Notebook: Keisel passes tests, ready for Bills
Friday, November 26, 2010
By Bill Brink, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10330/1106211-66.stm
Defensive end Brett Keisel said his hamstring is healed, and he is ready for the game Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
"I feel good. I got two zeros, man, and a one," he said, referring to his 100 percent health. "I'm chomping at the bit to get back out there."
The hamstring kept him out of most of the past five games. He returned Nov. 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but reinjured the hamstring in the game.
"I think he's ready to go, definitely," defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said. "The training staff gave him the OK to practice and he's practiced all week, I don't think he missed a snap."
Keisel was injured one game before Aaron Smith tore a triceps tendon against the Miami Dolphins Oct. 24, meaning Nick Eason and Ziggy Hood have played at end recently. While recovering, Keisel helped them, especially Hood, a second-year player, with the intricacies of the position.
"Just help them watch tape, help them look at the offensive lineman's stance -- any little tendency that you can get when you're on the field that can help you play faster and quicker, helps," Keisel said.
The toughest part about his recovery was regaining leg strength. It felt good at times, he said, but wasn't strong enough to return to play.
"The biggest thing was getting in the weight room, getting it strong, making sure I can do the movements that you have to do when you're out there battling," he said. "We've done all that, we have set goals and we've made our goals."
Keisel's return, LeBeau said, adds height and speed to the defensive line. Keisel can block passes at the line of scrimmage and chase down ball-carriers that other defensive linemen can't catch.
"He's a tremendous athlete," LeBeau said. "He's probably, athletically speaking for a defensive end, as good as anybody in the league."
With or without you
The line played equally well against the run with and without Keisel. In the five games in which he played extensively, opponents ran for 63.8 yards per game and two touchdowns. In the past five, where he played only sparingly in one game, opponents gained 62.4 rushing yards per game with two touchdowns.
Busy Sunday
Keisel's wife, Sarah, had their second child, Grace, Sunday. "The boys gave her a great welcoming present to the world by pounding the [Oakland] Raiders," Keisel said.
Injury update
Safety Troy Polamalu (ankle) and receiver Antonio Brown (knee) did not practice Thursday. Tight end Matt Spaeth (concussion) was a full participant in practice.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10330/11 ... z16MmXIwQD (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10330/1106211-66.stm#ixzz16MmXIwQD)
Friday, November 26, 2010
By Bill Brink, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10330/1106211-66.stm
Defensive end Brett Keisel said his hamstring is healed, and he is ready for the game Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
"I feel good. I got two zeros, man, and a one," he said, referring to his 100 percent health. "I'm chomping at the bit to get back out there."
The hamstring kept him out of most of the past five games. He returned Nov. 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but reinjured the hamstring in the game.
"I think he's ready to go, definitely," defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said. "The training staff gave him the OK to practice and he's practiced all week, I don't think he missed a snap."
Keisel was injured one game before Aaron Smith tore a triceps tendon against the Miami Dolphins Oct. 24, meaning Nick Eason and Ziggy Hood have played at end recently. While recovering, Keisel helped them, especially Hood, a second-year player, with the intricacies of the position.
"Just help them watch tape, help them look at the offensive lineman's stance -- any little tendency that you can get when you're on the field that can help you play faster and quicker, helps," Keisel said.
The toughest part about his recovery was regaining leg strength. It felt good at times, he said, but wasn't strong enough to return to play.
"The biggest thing was getting in the weight room, getting it strong, making sure I can do the movements that you have to do when you're out there battling," he said. "We've done all that, we have set goals and we've made our goals."
Keisel's return, LeBeau said, adds height and speed to the defensive line. Keisel can block passes at the line of scrimmage and chase down ball-carriers that other defensive linemen can't catch.
"He's a tremendous athlete," LeBeau said. "He's probably, athletically speaking for a defensive end, as good as anybody in the league."
With or without you
The line played equally well against the run with and without Keisel. In the five games in which he played extensively, opponents ran for 63.8 yards per game and two touchdowns. In the past five, where he played only sparingly in one game, opponents gained 62.4 rushing yards per game with two touchdowns.
Busy Sunday
Keisel's wife, Sarah, had their second child, Grace, Sunday. "The boys gave her a great welcoming present to the world by pounding the [Oakland] Raiders," Keisel said.
Injury update
Safety Troy Polamalu (ankle) and receiver Antonio Brown (knee) did not practice Thursday. Tight end Matt Spaeth (concussion) was a full participant in practice.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10330/11 ... z16MmXIwQD (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10330/1106211-66.stm#ixzz16MmXIwQD)