Legursky, Moore Ruled Out For Week 17, Roethlisberger, Pouncey, Woodley May Play

by Neal Coolong on Dec 27, 2011 1:06 PM EST in Steelers Injury News

Chuck Finder of CBS Sports, among others, is reporting Steelers LG Doug Legursky and RB Mewelde Moore will not play in Pittsburgh's Week 17 game at Cleveland. The door is still open for QB Ben Roethlisberger, C Maurkice Pouncey, OLB LaMarr Woodley and WR Emmanuel Sanders.

That, of course, is subject to change as the week progresses. Tomlin indicated if they practice this week, they will play.

Tuesday is the players' day off during the week, practice starts Wednesday.

All four of them missed Pittsburgh's 27-0 Week 16 win over St. Louis. It was the first game Roethlisberger missed this year. Woodley has been sidelined for most of Pittsburgh's last seven games, seeing very little time against Cincinnati in Week 11, but a good amount of snaps in Week 15. Pouncey missed most of Week 13 with a virus, and all of Weeks 15 and 16 with a high ankle sprain.

Sanders has been plagued with a foot injury since training camp, has missed five games this year, including the last three in a row.

With Pouncey out, the Steelers shifted Legursky to center, and Trai Essex to left guard. When Legursky went down, Essex moved to center, and Chris Kemoeatu replaced Essex at left guard. If Pouncey is able to play, he'll move back to center, and Essex would start at left guard.

Pittsburgh doesn't get the luxury of waiting to see if Baltimore defeats Cincinnati. If the Ravens win, they clinch the AFC North and at least the 2nd seed in the AFC Playoffs. If that was the case, Pittsburgh - who will either win the division or be the 5th seed - would play a meaningless game. That would give them a chance to play some reserve players. But since both the Steelers and Ravens play at the same time, the decision on whether to sit or play them becomes a bit more complicated.

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Sit Ben, Pouncey and Sanders.

Let LaMarr play if he can. I think Batch can get it done again against the clowns.

hhhheaaattttthhhhh!
"You have to under promise and over deliver." Mike Tomlin

by ekl on Dec 27, 2011 1:24 PM EST reply actions

When Ben went out, I was worried...

Batch looked as lost as McCoy did, but last week, he was the backup I’ve come to expect. Saturday’s game was probably the most ‘on’ they’ve played all season, no major mistakes, except for an INT that I don’t think was anybody’s fault(People were slipping on the grass all day), and a dominating win. All season long, they’ve been playing down to the level of their opponents for some reason, but Saturday was great.

If the whole team can play even 1/2 as good, including Batch, I say let Ben rest. I know he’s a workhorse, but the ‘Lights Out’ game was a sign that even Ben can be pushed too hard. Let him sit and condition that sprain and come back for the playoffs…

by Whogotdickslap on Dec 27, 2011 5:37 PM EST up reply actions

2012 Draft - OG

Really hope we get a guard in the first two rounds next year. Legursky tries hard- can’t complain with the effort. But he just gets ROLLED. He probably hurt shoulder by having to repeatedly pick up Ben from the turf after getting beaten by his man.

And i prefer him to Kemo…

Cmon Pouncey- get ready for the post-season! We need some Nastiness up front, and it starts with you.

by crosby87 on Dec 27, 2011 1:29 PM EST reply actions

This

My ideal draft would be:

Round 1
Dont’a Hightower
Round 2
Stephon Gilmore (if he comes out. Rumor has it he won’t without a 1st round grade) or Lucas Nix
Round 3
Depends on Round 2. If Gilmore:
OT/G (Andrew Datko or Nate Potter?)
If Nix:
One of NT, CB, S or RB. Best player available at those positions of need.

The glare of the spotlight is harsh, and the pressure that success breeds immense. We revere our heroes, but expect much. And criticism can come as easily as praise.
Perspectives become reality.
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by glass0941 on Dec 27, 2011 2:15 PM EST up reply actions

Hightower would be fantastic.

But we have to burn a pick on a kicker at some point in this draft too. Suisham isn’t adequate.

To dare is to do

by BobPurkey34 on Dec 27, 2011 2:27 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

Going into the year, I would have jumped at the idea of getting Blair Walsh in the fourth round, but he’s been atrocious this year. Maybe like the guy from A&M I suppose in the 6th or 7th

by glass0941 on Dec 27, 2011 3:12 PM EST up reply actions

What about that dude from LSU in the 7th?

"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."

by Riddlah. on Dec 27, 2011 3:39 PM EST up reply actions

Drew Alleman would be another good option

LSU has a pretty good history of producing talented kickers. At that point in the draft anyway, you’re really just taking a stab that a player may wind up a backup and hopefully develop. May as well get someone that should be a starter and an upgrade at that. Decent leg, pretty good accuracy. I’d have no problem with taking him, but he’s only a JR, so I doubt he’s available

by glass0941 on Dec 27, 2011 11:04 PM EST up reply actions

I’m going back and forth on Hightower. He’s a big boy and I’m not sure how good he would be in coverage.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Dec 27, 2011 2:38 PM EST up reply actions

neither was Levon Kirkland..

He was a pretty good LB though!

A man is innocent untill proven guilty...Even if it's Ben Roethlisberger!
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"Government is not the solution to our problems, it is the cause of them" Ronald Wilson Reagan..40th President of the United States

by nycsteelerfan on Dec 27, 2011 2:39 PM EST up reply actions

I loved Kirkland but the game has changed from his playing days

Go big or go home!!

by average joe blow on Dec 27, 2011 2:43 PM EST up reply actions

Wasn’t Kirkland a freak athlete though?

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Dec 27, 2011 2:59 PM EST up reply actions

He can’t be worse than Farrior or Foote.

"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."

by Riddlah. on Dec 27, 2011 2:53 PM EST up reply actions

He can’t? You sure about that?

by worldtrip on Dec 27, 2011 6:28 PM EST up reply actions

Yes.

"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."

by Riddlah. on Dec 27, 2011 9:35 PM EST up reply actions

I’m positive he could be a shit ton worse than both Farrior and Foote.

by worldtrip on Dec 27, 2011 10:25 PM EST up reply actions

That’s nice, but I doubt it.

"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."

by Riddlah. on Dec 28, 2011 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

He is not a very fluid athlete

Good going downhill, but not good in space. I’d rather have Sly start instead of Hightower.

Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...

by StoneColdSteel on Dec 27, 2011 5:05 PM EST up reply actions

I've actually been pleasantly surprised by his coverage ability this year

I think he will surprise some people at the combine with his ability to move. I think he’ll have a good showing in the BCS Title game in coverage.

by glass0941 on Dec 27, 2011 11:05 PM EST up reply actions

What do you think

about a guy like Lamichael James in this offense??

by 7th Heaven on Dec 27, 2011 7:56 PM EST up reply actions

I don't want Pouncey or Woodley playing too much.

Give them some snaps every now and then throughout the game but that’s it. Let Ben play if he wants, he’s a boss and can stick it to the Browns even with his injury.

"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."

by Riddlah. on Dec 27, 2011 1:34 PM EST reply actions

Sit Ben for sure and let Batch play. There’s no reason Ben needs to play and it seems like every game he plays against Cleveland, something happens where he has to come off the field. Just let him rest. But leave Woodley and Pouncey as game time decisions. I wouldn’t mind both of them getting a tune-up before the playoffs, even if they only play a half or so, just to get some game action since neither have played much in a month.

To dare is to do

by BobPurkey34 on Dec 27, 2011 1:35 PM EST reply actions

we need rest and recovery, but...

This game is a must win, I see us at home til New England. We would be much better off playin them away anyways. I say we play whomever is a go, this is for the #2 seed. I’m almost positive the Bengals will beat the Ravens at home. I guess the flipside of it all, is that we treat this week as our bye week, and if were lucky with our reserves we get 2 weeks off. But i think most of us here would say thats too much time off…

by sweedemotions on Dec 27, 2011 1:42 PM EST reply actions

Where is the drama

Wouldn’t be STEELER FOOTBALL without the drama. I do agree rest them all, let em heal. Pouncey is the worst, hard to push on a 300+ lb man with a bad wheel.

"you will hardly know who I am or what I mean"-Walt Whitman

by Pittsblitz56 on Dec 27, 2011 1:48 PM EST up reply actions

I wish I shared your optimism

I really can’t see the bungals beating the Ravens. . .mainly b/c when there is something on the line. . that is when the Bengals go into the proverbial phone both and change into their alter-ego otherwise known as the bungals. . .they will for sure come out and lay an egg as usual this time of year. . .I will gladly eat crow if i’m wrong but don’t see that happening!

by 7th Heaven on Dec 27, 2011 8:37 PM EST up reply actions

Should not play any of them

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Dec 27, 2011 2:06 PM EST reply actions

I Agree John

We “should” be able to beat the Browns with the replacements. It gives our “walking wounded” another week to heal. And, should the Ravens lose (and I think that there is a good chance they will) we can beat ANYONE if we have all of our regulars healed. Cincy will be hyped up to get that Playoff spot. To me, it makes no sense to play these guys and take a chance on them re-injuring themselves. The Pat’s are also prime for an upset also because they are already a top seed and “might” rest their main players or play with less inspiration. IF we can get the top seed and home field advantage throughout the playoffs, I see us having a better than even chance to get #7. I’m using a lot of “ifs”, but that applies in many cases in the NFL. Because on any given Sunday in the NFL………..

by Allen F on Dec 27, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions

agreed

by blitzzburgh on Dec 27, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions

I concur

by LAL32 on Dec 27, 2011 7:56 PM EST up reply actions

geez this OL is banged up

Almost makes you wonder if they need to make a roster move to get another big ugly up here, just in case.

Go big or go home!!

by average joe blow on Dec 27, 2011 2:25 PM EST reply actions

I think

Tomlin needs to keep his iphone close while hes down on the field, and keep an eye on the Ravens game. If the Ravens are dominating the Bungles the way the Steelers did, then he needs to pull every important banged up starter by halftime. A healthy Steelers team going into playoffs = shot at superbowl. Banged up Steelers team = most likely eliminated in divisional round by either Balt or the Pats IMO.

by blitzzburgh on Dec 27, 2011 3:28 PM EST reply actions

Makes a lot of sense

by Allen F on Dec 27, 2011 4:48 PM EST up reply actions

Ben plays for a half, just to maintain rhythm going into the playoffs

Woodley and Sanders sit, and I’m on the fence about Pouncey. I want him to play because Legs is injured and the only other backup that can play center is Essex. But that ankle needs to be ready for playoff time as well.

Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...

by StoneColdSteel on Dec 27, 2011 5:11 PM EST reply actions

Yeah. I get nervous when premier players rest a few weeks. Can’t afford to shake the rust off in a playoff game. Besides, a freak play would take them out anyway, rested for a week or not.

by IronJake on Dec 27, 2011 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

Well LaMarr needs to sit

We will most likely need him for 3 straight games, so it is imperative that his hamstring gets all the rest it needs. No need to risk that against a team with a bad o-line and nothing to play for.

I would like Ben to play just for a half, throwing short passes and mostly handing it off. After that, regardless of whats happening with Cincy-Baltimore game, he needs to be pulled. All he needs is to be lathered up for next week.

Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...

by StoneColdSteel on Dec 27, 2011 8:05 PM EST up reply actions

Rest Pouncey

Although I am very nervous about Essex playing “anywhere”, he did an admirable job against the Rams. I would try to let Hines get the catches he needs and also I would give Clay and Dwyer the majority of the snaps at RB. As long as we get the “W” and no injuries to the starters, I would be happy.

by Allen F on Dec 27, 2011 5:25 PM EST up reply actions

Dwyer is on IR

Redman and Clay would be fine

by steeler_in_maryland on Dec 27, 2011 8:31 PM EST up reply actions

I guess that means that Dwyer will probably be cut next year

by Allen F on Dec 28, 2011 1:19 AM EST up reply actions

Its obvious to me

that we all look at the bigger picture with the suggestion that we would rest a lot more starters than say Tomlin appears to be willing to. . .it bothers me b/c its out of our control whether we get the 2 or 5 seed. if we play these starters and still get the 5 seed then it is truly like they have no rest. . .where as if they rest, and we’re the 5 seed then it is like some of these veterans got their bye week anyway. . .

by 7th Heaven on Dec 27, 2011 8:43 PM EST reply actions

Ben should not play.

Another week of rest will help the ankle; plus, if we play Ben in Cleveland and he gets dinged, we’ll be throwing away our season. Let’s take our shot with Charlie and let the chips fall where they might. Chances are that the Ravens will beat the Bengals anyway.

by Billy52 on Dec 27, 2011 9:56 PM EST reply actions

Yeah, we can beat the Browns with Batch. Plus, I don’t see the Ravens losing that game

by LAL32 on Dec 28, 2011 8:19 AM EST up reply actions

The worst case scenario

is Ben playing, getting hurt and then we still have the 5th seed and have to play in Round 1. What we could do is rest everyone against Cle (almost treating it as our bye week), then beat up on Denver/Oakland in round 1 and continue on into the playoffs.

by LAL32 on Dec 28, 2011 8:18 AM EST reply actions

tbh

yea im down with resting the starters..I say put troy in for the first series then Rogers_cromartie and mundy play the rest. need lewis at corner with butler because we need to find a potiental replacement for mcfadden and gay..IMO

and let cam hay mcclendon and hood front the d and see how it goes..let the beard relax and sub in

Rest Mani ben pouncey and redman(our back of the future)

"HUCK IT...CHUCK IT...FOOTBALL" zach n miri make a porno

by Tank7Polamalu on Dec 28, 2011 10:55 AM EST reply actions

oh

and rest woodley as well…he got hurt his first game back cuz we rushed him…shit please..thanks

"HUCK IT...CHUCK IT...FOOTBALL" zach n miri make a porno

by Tank7Polamalu on Dec 28, 2011 10:57 AM EST up reply actions

I only say rest the safties due to the back ups needing game time..due to a possible game in denver where ryan clark will not dress due to his condition with the high altitude..(point to ponder)

"HUCK IT...CHUCK IT...FOOTBALL" zach n miri make a porno

by Tank7Polamalu on Dec 28, 2011 10:59 AM EST up reply actions