1. Who is going to replace him in the starting lineup?

Deshea Townsend?

Is it possible that Rookie Joe Burnett can start this game?

2. Which backup DB is now going to get more playing time in the nickel and dime, etc. ?

?

BREAKING NEWS

http://insidepittsburghsports.com/

In the midst of a four game losing streak, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is considering the possibility of making a number of lineup changes. "Obviously we are a very average football team as we sit here today, " Tomlin said.

At cornerback there will be at least one lineup change, maybe two.

Rookie cornerback Joe Burnett will replace William Gay in the starting lineup and internally, the team is exploring the possibility of replacing Ike Taylor in the starting lineup with Keenan Lewis.

“It’s going to be Joe Burnett, " Mike Tomlin said in reference to who will replace William Gay in the starting lineup. Tomlin added, “Keenan Lewis is going to get an opportunity to play. We want to see both of those guys. They’re young guys; they’ve been working. We want to see both of those guys play.”

Benching Ike Taylor would be a bold move by Mike Tomlin and it’s clear that the Steelers feel Keenan Lewis (2009 3rd round pick) is ready for some playing time.

Cornerback may not be the only position that a starter or two will sit. The Steelers are considering other changes on defense, including at middle linebacker and safety.

Mike Tomlin is making it known that he won’t cater to veterans as the Steelers struggles have continued.

continued at url

http://insidepittsburghsports.com/story/tomlin-considering-significant-changes-ward-gay-doubtful-for-thursday-night/19626/

BREAKING NEWS

Hines Ward out for Thursday’s game with hamstring injury

Limas Sweed will get the start !

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=68&f=1897&t=5262673

This news article says that Mike Wallace will get the start

http://www.timesleader.com/news/ap?articleID=3384167

Rookie cornerback Joe Burnett is expected to start for the oft-beaten William Gay, who sustained a concussion late in the Steelers’ can-you-believe-it 27-24 loss to the Raiders on Sunday. Gay might not play in Cleveland.

Another rookie cornerback, Keenan Lewis, plus defensive end Ziggy Hood and wide receiver Mike Wallace, also might earn elevated status for the Browns (1-11). Wallace is expected to start if Hines Ward (hamstring) can’t go, which seems likely given the short week.

continued…

Mike Tomlin Press Conference

http://pit.scout.com/2/926910.html

http://pit.scout.com/2/926910.html

Mike Tomlin Press Conference

Q: Who starts at cornerback in place of William Gay?

A: It’s going to be Joe Burnett. Keenan Lewis is going to get an opportunity to play. We want to see both of those guys. They’re young guys; they’ve been working. We want to see both of those guys play.

Q: You want to leave Deshea Townsend in the dime?

A: Yes.

Q: What about some of the other changes?

A: You know, it’s very early in the week. If we were at the normal Tuesday press conference I’d probably have more information for you in that regard, but we’re in the early stages of development of our plan as I sit here right now, but I assure you there are going to be some.

Q: Will there be many?

A: Whatever we think’s appropriate in terms of giving ourselves a chance to win based on the matchup with the Cleveland Browns, so subtle in some areas, maybe not so subtle in others. But I am acknowledging that I am very open to that.

Q: On defense?

A: All three phases.

continued…