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Tough decision looming for Steelers
October 26th, 2010
The Steelers’ decision to keep injured defensive end Aaron Smith on their 53-man roster will force them to make a tough call later this week.
With signing another defensive lineman a necessity -- and all signs point to the Steelers promoting tackle Steve McLendon from their practice squad for the third time this season -- a difficult cut will have to be made.
The Steelers could release one of their cornerbacks but they used a third-round draft pick on Keenan Lewis in 2009, and they think rookie Crezdon Butler has the potential to start one day.
Making Anthony Madison the odd man out is risky as he is one of their best special teams players, and no one needs reminded of how the Steelers’ kick coverage units cost them dearly last season.
That same argument can be applied to Arnaz Battle, who plays sparingly as a wide receiver but is valuable on special teams.
The Steelers could cut offensive tackle Tony Hills and try to sneak him onto their practice squad but another team might snatch him up if he becomes available.
The same is true of rookie outside linebacker Thaddeus Gibson and first-year running back Jonathan Dwyer.
Whatever decision the Steelers make will come with some risk, but it is probably worth it if there is a decent chance that Smith returns at some point this season.
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October 26th, 2010
The Steelers’ decision to keep injured defensive end Aaron Smith on their 53-man roster will force them to make a tough call later this week.
With signing another defensive lineman a necessity -- and all signs point to the Steelers promoting tackle Steve McLendon from their practice squad for the third time this season -- a difficult cut will have to be made.
The Steelers could release one of their cornerbacks but they used a third-round draft pick on Keenan Lewis in 2009, and they think rookie Crezdon Butler has the potential to start one day.
Making Anthony Madison the odd man out is risky as he is one of their best special teams players, and no one needs reminded of how the Steelers’ kick coverage units cost them dearly last season.
That same argument can be applied to Arnaz Battle, who plays sparingly as a wide receiver but is valuable on special teams.
The Steelers could cut offensive tackle Tony Hills and try to sneak him onto their practice squad but another team might snatch him up if he becomes available.
The same is true of rookie outside linebacker Thaddeus Gibson and first-year running back Jonathan Dwyer.
Whatever decision the Steelers make will come with some risk, but it is probably worth it if there is a decent chance that Smith returns at some point this season.
[url="http://blog.triblive.com/view-from-t...ss+Box+Blog%29"]http://blog.triblive.com/view-from-t...ss+Box+Blog%29[/url]
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