Steelers Mailbag: Will Mike Adams' back injury jeopardize his roster spot?

It is time for another edition of the BTSC Steelers Mailbag where the Pittsburgh Steelers faithful ask their burning questions, and I do my best to answer them. If you are wondering how you can have your questions included in the next Mailbag article, simply follow us on Twitter (@btsteelcurtain) and send us your questions to be included. Let's get this started...

From: Heath (@SteelersGal86)

Question: With Mike Adams being on PUP, if Villenueva impresses coaches, do you think they part ways with Adams?

Answer: This is a difficult question to answer considering we truly don't know the severity, or lack thereof, of Adams' back injury. All we know is he had surgery before camp, and will miss the majority, if not all, of the preseason. In my opinion, the only way the Steelers part ways with a second round draft pick, who is still on his rookie contract by the way, is if his back injury doesn't allow him to return before the start of the regular season. Even then, he would certainly be a possibility for the Injured Reserve/Designated to return list. Adams has something no one else on the current roster has...experience, and that is something you don't want to lose, even if a back injury has him sitting out the preseason.

From: Matt Y (@mattyice1036)

Question: I know camp just started but is there anyone in particular that has impressed you so far?

Answer: Considering the team has only had two workouts, that is a difficult question to answer. Wednesday is the day when they put on the pads for the first time, so that will make any type of evaluation process easier. Nonetheless, Darrius Heyward-Bey has had quality workouts the past two sessions, and Eli Rogers has been more than impressive with the limited reps he is getting. On the defensive side of the ball, Bud Dupree has been showing flashes of improved pass rushing skills, and Stephon Tuitt looks to be legit. Stay tuned to BTSC for the best news around surrounding training camp.

From: Shannon Sanders (@shannonsanders)

Question: How do things look with Ryan Shazier this year. Will be be the addition people expect in 2015?

Answer: I think if Shazier can remain healthy, and that is a big 'if', he will be a huge benefit to the defense this season. Shazier has reportedly been expanding his role in the defense so far in camp, dropping into deep coverage using his speed and athleticism in coverage. Shazier has a unique skill set which can't be duplicated, even with Sean Spence and Vince Williams combined. Shazier is a play maker, and has the versatility the Steelers need to essentially do it all. Stop the run, rush the passer and drop into coverage. The key for Shazier right now is staying on the field.

From: Richard Edmonds (@RichardEdmonds)

Question: Who will be the starting DBs when the season starts?

Answer: It seems a week can't go by without a question surrounding the Steelers' and their cornerbacks, but if I were to put money on who will start the season at the cornerback position, it would look like this: 1.) William Gay, 2.) Cortez Allen, 3.) Antwon Blake. From there I would have Senquez Golson, Doran Grant and B.W. Webb to round out the depth chart.

That will do it for this week's mailbag segment. Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@btsteelcurtain) and tweet us your questions for next week's mailbag article.