Okobbi Goes Down...

*The Steelers suffered their first major injury of the preseason when starting center Chukky Okobbi learned that he had a ruptured disk in his neck. His neck has been bothering him for the past week, but the veteran center has tried to play through it.  Turns out this injury may even be career-threatening.  If there's any consolation, it's that it was discovered before he truly jeopardized his life in a live situation.

Rookie Marvin Phillip practiced with the first team on Tuesday, and will have to find some way to get himself prepared immediately.  This is a terrible blow to the Steelers.  The center position is fairly underated in my opinion.  It takes not only quickness, strength and agility to play the postion; it also takes leadership, vision, and communication.

*Hines Ward tried to give it a go today but didn't last too long.  It wasn't truly a setback; Ward just wanted to test it out.  I doubt he'll see the field this Saturday.

*Joey Porter is expected to be reactivated tomorrow.

*OLB Mike Kudla was waived today.  The rookie from Ohio State had been bothered by a hamstring injury all camp.