FWP and Big Snack Will be out on Monday

by cgolden on Sep 23, 2008 12:55 PM EDT

According to the official site, the Steelers will be without the services of Willie Parker and Casey Hampton on Monday when the Ravens come to town. Parker's got a sprained left knee while Hampton has a strained groin. They'll join Brett Keisel on the sidelines to watch this Monday Night matchup.

Rashard Mendenhall will get his first start and Chris Hoke will start in Hampton's place. Mendenhall moving into the starting role should be very interesting considering that he's had a bit of a fumbling problem and he's going against a defense that's know for inflicting some punishment. Mewelde Moore will also likely see his first significant action on offense, especially on third downs. Hoke's return to the starting role combined with Travis Kirschke starting in Keisel's spot sucks the depth out of the defensive line. Kirschke will back up Hoke which leaves Orpheus Roye as the backup at defensive end.

If you're looking for good news, at least Big Ben isn't even listed on the injury report (believe that if you want) and he may not even be limited in practice.

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Hoke

has been fine filling in for Hamp in previous years. Sprained left knee for Parker is not good, now we’ll see how Rashard looks against a legit D, personally I think he is a better match up against the Ravens than Parker anyways, as Willie has never had a good day running on them.

by TheMostViolentTeam on Sep 23, 2008 1:05 PM EDT reply actions

Where's Gary Russell?

I know, we cut him. We cut GR rather than Tony “Drop Foot” Hills or Ty “I never met a QB I could tackle in the open field” Carter. I know, if I knew anything about the team I wouldnt be working in DC, I’d be working in Western PA. But all I’m saying is that a team that was “overflowing with talent” in the backfield at the start of the season is now looking a little thin.

Then again, maybe this is just Parker’s way of protesting the lack of touches (either carries or passes) that he got last week! (Sorry to bring that up again, but I had to go there)

Get well soon FWP!

by warftr5 on Sep 23, 2008 1:16 PM EDT reply actions

According to Ed B.

in his chat he just said the Steelers signed Russell back to the practice squad but he doesn’t think he will make it back up to the 53 right now b/c with Hampton hurt they will likely call up a backup NT.

by schnifin on Sep 23, 2008 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Who cares about Gary Russell? It’s time for our 1st round pick to show why he was so highly rated. MM is a very capable 3rd down back and if Mendenhall goes down would probably be OK as the primary running back.

by Cols714 on Sep 23, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions

Fair enough, but...

I am looking forward to Mendy playing. (Not looking forward to him fumbling.) MM seems very capable, but I havent seen enough to believe that he is ready to be an everydown back yet.

Finally, with Mendy as starting HB, it creates an obvious question on KOR. Who fills it? MM? OK, so then who’s “in game backup” when he goes down? What I was alluding to was that without a quality 4th HB, the stable gets mighty thin, mighty quick.

Fortunately, we did just resign Russell. Now if we can still figure out how to cut Hills and Carter, I might actually smile this week.

Got 5? ... We do! Check the RINGS!!!

by warftr5 on Sep 23, 2008 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions

i'm excited

to see what this rookie can do. remember, ben made his first appearance (although it wasn’t a start) against the ravens filling in for an injured turnover tommy, and we all know how that’s worked out. hopefully willie isn’t out too long, but i’m real interested to see how our back of the future handles one of the league’s stingiest rush d’s.

by NoCal-SteelCity on Sep 23, 2008 1:28 PM EDT reply actions

exactly

Lets see how good delicious can be, I’m pumped to see him play.

To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)

Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.

by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Sep 23, 2008 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

GO MENDY!

Hate to see FWP down but this does give our first rounder an opportunity.

Hope he takes advantage of it, if so hopefully the offense gets quickly back into the run mentality, something we really need to do with all that’s gone on and injuries.

I’m concerned Arians may not have digested his responsibility in last week’s game yet and if Mendy blows for whatever reason Arians will once again make us one dimensional with his playcalling.

by herewegosteelers on Sep 23, 2008 5:12 PM EDT reply actions