Stapleton's knee requires more evaluation

[fordfixer]

Steelers Notebook: Stapleton's knee requires more evaluation
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
[url="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09217/988612-66.stm"]http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09217/988612-66.stm[/url]

Offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton watched afternoon practice from the top of a hill at Saint Vincent College for the second consecutive day yesterday as he awaited word on what might be wrong with his ailing left knee.

Stapleton, the Steelers' starting right guard, had an MRI, but coach Mike Tomlin said more tests need to be conducted before doctors determine either what is wrong or what to do about it.

"Still evaluating Darnell Stapleton to see where he is," Tomlin said after practice. "He did have an MRI, but we're getting some more work done, some other things looked at. When we're ready to talk about that, I will."

Stapleton had fluid on his knee after apparently injuring it Sunday during practice. He has not been on the field the past two days. Normally, slightly injured players watch from the practice field with their teammates.

Stapleton started 15 games at right guard through the Super Bowl after veteran Kendall Simmons blew out an Achilles tendon in the third game. Stapleton opened training camp at center because starting center Justin Hartwig has a right big toe injury.

Veteran backup tackle/guard Trai Essex has practiced with the first team at right guard.

With Hartwig and Stapleton out, Doug Legursky plays center with the first team and rookie A.Q. Shipley with the second.

Tomlin said Hartwig is close to resuming practice.
Ward takes a breather

Hines Ward went through a full practice when the Steelers hit the fields Saturday and has not suited up since.

Not to worry, Ward said yesterday. It's just a case of saving the old guy and giving the young receivers more practice time.

"I'm just listening to what coach tells me to do," Ward said after spending the afternoon helping to coach the receivers. "If he does not want me to practice, I'm not going to argue with him. It's still early in the week, it's not going to win or lose. I'm going to come out and play the same way, I'm still going to be in shape.

"I think this week is more quality time for those guys rather than me."

Ward said he is healthy, recovering completely from shoulder surgery in February. He said Tomlin has not told him when he might return, but Ward hopes it is this week. His absence has allowed more time for Limas Sweed and rookie Mike Wallace, and also for starting split end Santonio Holmes to spend more time running out of the slot position, just in case.

"If something was to happen to me, Santonio has to move into the slot, so he's getting more reps in the slot and Sweed has to move outside," Ward explained.

Said Tomlin, "Hines is money in my emotional bank account. I take care of Hines."
Injury update

Tight end Heath Miller gradually has done more in practice each day as he works back from June hernia surgery. Miller said he hopes to go through a full practice by this weekend.

"I thought Heath took a step this afternoon, in terms of participation," Tomlin said.

Running back Willie Parker was held out of practice with a sore shoulder and running back Mewelde Moore developed a sore hamstring. Safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Deshea Townsend remain hampered by hamstring problems.

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[Oviedo]

Re: Stapleton's knee requires more evaluation

I really like how Tomlin is being smart with some of the older veterans. They should be in shape and cutting back on the wear and tear should help as the season goes on.

I also think that Stapleton has just been put squarely back into the back up role because of this injury. Hopefully it doesn't require surgery because he is a good back up with experience to have around.

[phillyesq]

Re: Stapleton's knee requires more evaluation

I've read good things about both Legursky and Shipley. Per Wexell's twitter, Shipley is opening some eyes, and he said that Legursky has played well, reminding him of Hank Fraley's first camp.

[Oviedo]

Re: Stapleton's knee requires more evaluation

I've read good things about both Legursky and Shipley. Per Wexell's twitter, Shipley is opening some eyes, and he said that Legursky has played well, reminding him of Hank Fraley's first camp.

But we cut Fraley at the ned of his first camp. It is going tobe curious what they do at Center. I think Hartwig still starts regardles of what the young players do in camp but deciding who stays on the roster will be a very interesting decision. Working in Legursky's favor is the fact that he can also back up at Guard. Shipley doesn't seem to have that advantage. It doesn't look like they are looking at either of them as a long snapper to save a roster spot so one will have to go unless Stapleton is out for the season.

[phillyesq]

Re: Stapleton's knee requires more evaluation

I've read good things about both Legursky and Shipley. Per Wexell's twitter, Shipley is opening some eyes, and he said that Legursky has played well, reminding him of Hank Fraley's first camp.

But we cut Fraley at the ned of his first camp. It is going tobe curious what they do at Center. I think Hartwig still starts regardles of what the young players do in camp but deciding who stays on the roster will be a very interesting decision. Working in Legursky's favor is the fact that he can also back up at Guard. Shipley doesn't seem to have that advantage. It doesn't look like they are looking at either of them as a long snapper to save a roster spot so one will have to go unless Stapleton is out for the season.

We did cut Fraley -- if I remember, they were hoping to sneak him onto the P.S., and he was snapped up by the Eagles. If Legursky and/or Shipley can play competently at C, and do so cheaply for a number of years, that would be great for the team and the cap. I completely agree with you that Hartwig will start this year regardless of what the young guys do, unless the toe injury really limits him.

If Essex starts, I think that Foster and Capizzi will be the backup tackles, with Urbick and Stapelton also having roster spots. That leave a spot for maybe one of Legursky/Shipley, but not both. If Stapelton wins the RG job, that might force one Capizzi/Foster off the roster, which could open another spot for one Legursky/Shipley. Ultimately, I think that the only way both of these guys end up on the roster is if Stapelton is IR'd.

[pfelix73]

Re: Stapleton's knee requires more evaluation

What about Hills?

[phillyesq]

Re: Stapleton's knee requires more evaluation

What about Hills?

I've read that he has been absolutely terrible.

Hopefully you'll be able to give us a firsthand report soon.

[phillyesq]

Re: Stapleton's knee requires more evaluation

This doesn't look good. Lolley is speculating that Stapelton might be done for the year:

Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Is Stapleton done?
It's looking more and more likely as if guard Darnell Stapleton could be done for the season - or at least an extended period of time.

I spoke with right tackle Willie Colon this morning and he talked as if Stapleton could be lost to a knee injury, much the same way that punter Daniel Sepulveda was last year around this time.

Now Colon would neither confirm or deny that anything was up, but he talked about the 2009 season as if Stapleton would not be available.

Doesn't mean he knows anything special or he could just be thinking ahead in case it actually does happen.

But Stapleton was nowhere to be seen here today.

[url]http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/2009/08/is-stapleton-done.html[/url]