Hartwig injures toe

[pittpete]

Re: Hartwig injures toe

I think this is could be a blessing in disguise, giving us a long look at Stapleton, Urbik, and even Essex.

[aggiebones]

Re: Hartwig injures toe

I agree to the blessing in disguise notion. Its not like Hartwig is our best and only player. He's a spare part frankly. I like him and appreciate him, but I think we all know this is his last season with us. We get to see some youth in the fire for a couple games. If none of these guys show well, then we'll know that we need to move any direction or resign Hartwig. But letting him go and not knowing for sure about the backups would be scarier.

[fezziwig]

Re: Hartwig injures toe

I agree to the blessing in disguise notion. Its not like Hartwig is our best and only player. He's a spare part frankly. I like him and appreciate him, but I think we all know this is his last season with us. We get to see some youth in the fire for a couple games. If none of these guys show well, then we'll know that we need to move any direction or resign Hartwig. But letting him go and not knowing for sure about the backups would be scarier.

Good point

[pfelix73]

Re: Hartwig injures toe

Ah- it's only early July... He'll be a starting I'm sure.

I hate it when I break a tie.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Hartwig injures toe

It will be interesting to see how this is handled. If Stapleton is the starter going into camp at RG and he is moved to C for Hartiwg...This will open the door for Urbik at RG. I'm telling you, if Urbik sees the field with the 1st team it will be hard to get him out of there. His intelligence and knowledge of the game combined with his ability will create a chemistry quickly. He will grasp the offense quickly playing with the first team and once that happens his physical abilities will stand out over Stapleton. I think in all fairness to Stapleton, the Steelers should try Legursky or Shipley at C in Hartwig's absence. It will show them what they have in those 2 and also give Stapleton a fair shot at keeping his RG spot. I think Stapleton is the best answer at C because of experience right now(If it was the regular season) but playing him at C while Hartwig heals won't give him equal evaluation through the PS. He should still start at RG and play with the 2nd team at C. Find out what you have in Legursky now with the starters. Ben should be limited in passing behind him through the PS. Dixon & Batch will see more reps behind C so it would be a good time to experiment. This is how I would play it if they want Stapleton at C with Ben. Have Stapleton a C while Ben is QB and Essex at RG. As soon as he leaves the field, move Stapleton back to RG and have Legursky play C. Now you are looking at 1 player out(C) and the OG/OT playing together on there respective sides. This is about as close as you could get to getting quality starter work through the PS without Hartwig. The Steelers will know early what they have in Legursky...And then Shipley. Get the guys some work...Perfect time to do it.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Hartwig injures toe

Ah- it's only early July... He'll be a starting I'm sure.

I disagree. It's mid July.

(I agree that Hartwig will be back and starting in time for the beginning of the season, though) :P

[Oviedo]

Re: Hartwig injures toe

What is unclear and most relevent is whether a "few weeks" was from when he got the injury which would mean he is good to go for the start of camp or a "few weeks" of camp.
Poor reporting by the media types.

My bet is he is ready to go for camp but may be limited in some drills.

[SteelerNation1]

Re: Hartwig injures toe

What is unclear and most relevent is whether a "few weeks" was from when he got the injury which would mean he is good to go for the start of camp or a "few weeks" of camp.
Poor reporting by the media types.

My bet is he is ready to go for camp but may be limited in some drills.

What's weird is the PG never mentioned this. I'm kind of surprised by that Ov.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Hartwig injures toe

What is unclear and most relevent is whether a "few weeks" was from when he got the injury which would mean he is good to go for the start of camp or a "few weeks" of camp.
Poor reporting by the media types.

My bet is he is ready to go for camp but may be limited in some drills.

Probably right. The fact that he is in the last year of his contract might also have him "limping" back onto the field, earlier than usual, for a vet in the preseason. I don't expect his job to be in jeopardy unless Stapleton really bulked up over the offseason or Legursky or Shipley play "lights out" over the preseason...But durabilty became a question in Carolina and that is a question he doesn't need brought up again looking for a new contract next year.

[pfelix73]

Re: Hartwig injures toe

As Coach Tomlin would say-

This is a 'non issue'.