Steelers working out cornerback Stanford Routt

Update: Routt signed with the Houston Texans. Ike Taylor has a fractured ankle that could keep him out 3-6 weeks.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported free agent cornerback Stanford Routt is in Houston for a workout with the Texans, and presumably if he isn't signed there, he'll work out for the Steelers.

Routt was cut earlier this season by the Kansas City Chiefs, only midway through the first year of a three-year, $18 million free agent deal with the Chiefs.

The timing of the report, though is the most compelling factor of the story. Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor left Sunday's game at Baltimore early in the first quarter, and was in a boot during the second half. Speculation came out after the game Taylor suffered a "fibula injury," and could be out for anywhere from 2-6 weeks.

There's a possibility the idea of Routt having a workout with the Steelers immediately after one with the Texans was placed by representatives of Routt to increase a perception of leverage over Houston. It's well-timed, considering Taylor's injury.

Routt was dogged by local media for a perception of a lack of willingness to tackle. Considering Taylor is one of the better tackling cornerbacks in the league, and the team typically looks for that willingness and ability above all else from their cornerbacks, Routt would seem like an odd fit. However, if the Steelers did bring in another player in wake of Taylor's injury, it would be only to see the field after injuries claimed all but one of the other Steelers cornerbacks.

The Steelers made no move for Routt this past free agency period, but they were without injury at the time and cornerback was arguably one of their deepest positions.

No report has been released on Taylor's status, but the issue is expected to be addressed at Mike Tomlin's press conference today at noon ET.

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