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Lance Moore practiced and said he hasn't felt so good in weeks. Believes he'll be ready to play Sunday.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) September 15, 2014
When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed wide receiver Lance Moore via free agency this off-season, they expected him to fill the role vacated by Jerricho Cotchery as the crafty veteran that can work the slot in the Steelers' base offense.
The only problem with that plan is the Steelers haven't seen it in action yet during the regular season. Moore has been hampered by a groin injury that has kept him out the majority of the preseason, as well as the first two regular season games.
Moore was questionable heading into the season-opener against the Cleveland Browns but, while he was unable to play, odds were the organization was eyeing the Week 3 match-up at Carolina as a possible return for Moore, since the Week 2 game in Baltimore was scheduled on such short rest.
When Moore is healthy to return to the lineup, he likely will resume the role of No. 3 receiver and play most of his snaps in the slot. That position is currently being filled by second-year pro Justin Brown. Brown has done a decent job in his limited time on the field, but his fumble in the first quarter of the Ravens loss very well could haunt him in terms of playing time moving forward.
If Moore returns to the lineup Sunday, it's unclear whether the team will dress four or five wide receivers, and which receivers on the 53-man roster may not be active on Sunday.
Other Injury Notes: Nose tackle Steve McLendon participated in individual drills today. McLendon suffered a shoulder injury in the loss to the Ravens on Thursday night and was unable to return to the game.