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The Steelers will see first-time starts from outside linebacker Jarvis Jones and inside linebacker Kion Wilson.
They'll also see contributions from ILB Vince Williams, and could have practice squad cornerback Isaiah Green added to the active roster today.
Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo mentioned in his notebook Wilson will get the start for the Steelers when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals Monday night. He also wrote defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau plans to use Williams a bit as well.
Said LeBeau, quoted by Fittipaldo:
"They are just young players learning what to do," LeBeau said. "I think they've all made great progress to this point. I am confident. I know they will play physical and play hard. We just have to coach them and get them in the right place."
The Steelers may not be done, either. Cornerback Curtis Brown is listed as doubtful, meaning the Steelers would be without two of their cornerbacks for this game - Cortez Allen has been ruled out with an ankle injury. With Ike Taylor and William Gay starting, and Shamarko Thomas the nickel corner, the Steelers only have one cornerback left - special teams player Antwon Blake.
On the practice squad sits Green, a player who competed fiercely for one of the final roster spots. Likely, the combination of the team feeling confident in Thomas's ability to cover inside and the availability of an experienced special teams player like Blake earned Green no more than a practice squad position, but given the lack of depth they now have, he could be called up today.
Kicker Shaun Suisham's hamstring is good enough to play, so the release of veteran K Shayne Graham seems inevitable.
The Steelers may not bring up Green, but it's a pretty good bet some roster move will be made today.
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