The sting of the Steelers 16-9 opening day loss to the Tennessee Titans is not yet 24 hours old, and the news continues to get worse.
- Maurkice Pouncey is out for the year with a torn MCL and ACL
- Larry Foote has a torn biceps and will likely miss the year
- LaRod Stephens-Howling, if rumor is confirmed, also has a torn ACL
All of these players will go on injured reserve ending their seasons.
That also means the Steelers will need to replace them. Quickly. Where to turn? There are a number of possibilities.
One of the surprise cuts that the Steelers made was of John Malecki, who started one game for the Steelers and served as a back up. The Steelers cut him in favor of Cody Wallace, who didn’t even dress vs. the Titans. Malecki didn’t get picked up, and the Steelers will likely bring him back.
Larry Foote’s injury also creates another vacancy at linebacker. One candidate is Marshall McFadden, who was another surprise cut. McFadden landed on the Raiders practice squad, but the Steelers can sign him with the provision that he stays on the active roster for 3 games (which shouldn’t be a problem.)
The Steelers also need to make a move a running back.
- Could Jonathan Dwyer return?
Its possible but doubtful. Doubtful that the Steelers would seek his serveices and probably equally doubtful that Dwyer would agree to return.
Another potential move the Steelers could make would involved Max Starks. That depends on what they wish to do at center.
Kelvin Beachum had been serving as an emergency tight end and as the team’s top back up at tackle, guard and center. If he is to continue to start in front of Ben Roethlisberger at center, the Steelers will need to add depth, and Starks is currently without a job (although his experience in San Diego was terrible.)
Either way, the Pittsburgh Steelers 2013 Roster is about to get reconfigured again.
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