Timmons Still Sidelined, Woodley Continues to Impress...

by Michael Bean on Jun 8, 2007 1:32 PM EDT in News

The Steelers top two draft choices from this year's draft are off to different starts one month in to their professional careers. Timmons, who injured his groin on the very first day of mini-camps May 11th, is still trying to recover from the nagging injury. Woodley on the other hand is making unprecedented progress for a defensive end trying to make the transition to LB, according to LBs coach Keith Butler:

"Compared to the other guys we've had here and trying to make the transition with them, he's further along than anybody we've had," Butler said.

Hopefully the team (and Timmons) will be wise about not rushing the team's #1 overall draft pick on to the field. Last summer, Hines Ward pushed it a bit too hard at first and it cost him practices and a few weeks of optimal productivity to start the season. The temptation for Timmons of course, is to want to be out there proving he was worth being drafted so high. He's also watching Woodley tearing it up day after day. But it appears Butler is being wise with the talented LB from Florida State:

"You don't want to keep having a recurring problem," Butler said. "I'd rather see him get well, get healthy, make sure he's in great shape. I don't think it's possible for a rookie to understand what it's like to be in NFL shape until they've done it, until they've been around the guys who they're playing with. These two guys are no different, they don't understand what it is to be in great NFL shape."

Here's hoping Timmons can get healthy in time to get in shape and work with the defense throughout training camp. If Woodley is in fact as good as advertised, and Timmons can get on the field, I think we'll have a lot more fun cheering on this Steelers defense than we did last year.

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Not too big a problem

I don't think Timmons was ever meant to be a Game 1 starter. Haggans and Harrison will fill those spots, with Timmons and Woodley getting acclimated by playing certain downs only at first. That gives Timmons plenty of time to heal.

by Desroko on Jun 8, 2007 3:07 PM EDT reply actions

Amen to that though

I'm excited to see Woodley out there. Timmons too once he finally gets back on the field. But I'm more eager to see Harrison earn a starting spot! That guy was always a beast!

by Mikey on Jun 9, 2007 6:00 PM EDT reply actions

Steelers don't seem to worried

Since they don't plan to start him right away, like Desroko said, it looks like they're going to give him plenty of time. I'm all for that but if he isn't starting by the end of the season, it has to be a disapointment.

http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/06/09/steelers-need-not-worry-about-timmons-injury/

Also I read something this morning that Colon ran drills as the starting center 3 of the 4 days last week. Is it really possible that he could win that job or are they just try to get him more versatile.

by cgolden on Jun 11, 2007 8:26 AM EDT reply actions

That's the beauty of depth...

The good news is, we already have capable linebackers to handle the heavy lifting until these two are ready. Frankly the last thing I want to see is Timmons and Woodley rushed into starting roles when we really don't need them to be.

I think the Stillers might be wise to ease the rooks in as it becomes appropriate. Give them the Bryant McFadden treatment if you will. Put them in for certain situations to get a taste but don't give them the keys to the car from day one. No matter how talented, there's always a lot of learning to be done.

by Cotter on Jun 12, 2007 10:34 AM EDT reply actions