Tomlin guarded on naming line starters

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1 Tomlin guarded on naming line starters Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL Tomlin guarded on naming line starters Stapleton might get first start Friday, October 03, 2008 By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Matt Freed/Post-Gazette Steelers personnel help Kendall Simmons off the field after he ruptured his Achilles tendon against the Ravens Monday night. Not only has Darnell Stapleton never started an NFL game, he had never even taken a snap on the offensive line in a regularseason contest until Monday night's comeback victory against the Baltimore Ravens. Even then, it wasn't at his natural position -- center. Stapleton, though, came into the game late in the second quarter when right guard Kendall Simmons had his Achilles tendon torn, an injury that ended his season. And now there's a possibility Stapleton might not leave. Coach Mike Tomlin was not prepared yesterday to anoint Stapleton the starter for Sunday night's game in Jacksonville, saying "I really don't have to till Sunday night." But, unless some unforeseen circumstance develops in the next couple days, Stapleton, a backup center, will be the starting right guard against the Jaguars -- winning what was loosely termed a "competition" with backup tackle Trai Essex. "Right now, Darnell is getting more snaps than Trai and has a more recent history," Tomlin said. "Trai has been concentrating quite a bit on being the swing tackle. We haven't made a final decision." Which means, after replacing Simmons and being part of a comeback from a 10-point deficit, Stapleton will get another chance to capitalize on the good vibe and show the coaching staff he can handle the role. Never mind that he was inactive for all 16 games last season as an undrafted rookie and played only on special teams in each of the first three games this season. Or that Essex, a third-round draft choice in 2005, has appeared in 24 NFL games, four as a starter. Next Game: Steelers (3-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2). When: 8:15 p.m. Sunday. TV: WPXI. "I don't know what the coaches' thoughts are, if they want to keep rotating guys on a week-to-week basis or what," Stapleton said. "But if they found someone who could do the job, they would stick with them. It could be a good job for me." Of course, facing the Jaguars without all their offensive-line starters is nothing new for the Steelers. In January's wild-card playoff loss at Heinz Field, Essex started at left tackle because of injuries to Marvel Smith and backup Max Starks. Essex was hoping for another chance to start against the Jaguars because it meant an opportunity to impress the coaches and maybe get to start at right guard the remainder of the season. "I thought about that," Essex said. "Anytime you get a chance to play that length of time, you get excited, especially in my situation. I haven't had all that many opportunities. Your dream is to be a starter and be a starter on a consistent basis. That would be a great opportunity for me. That's what I want."

2 Tomlin guarded on naming line starters Page 2 of 2 A move that was not being considered is shifting Willie Colon from right tackle to right guard and starting Max Starks at right tackle. Tomlin did not even mention the possibility the other day when he was discussing his options at right guard and quickly dismissed the notion when he was asked specifically about the move. "Not at this point," Tomlin said. The Steelers have had a history of making such a move. In 1997, they moved guard Wil Wolford to left tackle when starter John Jackson was injured. And they did it on several occasions with former Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca, particularly in 2003, moving him to left tackle when Marvel Smith was injured. Colon even said he would make the switch as long as he thought the move would help the team. "I came from a tough college career where I lost a lot," said Colon, who played at Hofstra. "I'm with a great team now. Anything that gives us a chance to win, gives us an edge, I'm going to do it. "Do I take pride at tackle? Yes. If they move me to guard, I'd take pride in that. But I believe in the line we have, I believe in our backups. I believe whoever they put in there is going to be able to do a good job." But the Steelers coaches are reluctant to make that move because they like their guards to run well so they can handle the pulling assignments required in the team's counter plays. That is one of the reasons they have experimented with Essex, a former third-round draft choice, at guard. "I like to think I can move," Essex said. "I'm a decent enough athlete to get out there in space and hit somebody. I like that aspect of guard. You don't get much pulling out at tackle. You're not in as much space [at guard] as you are at tackle, but you still have to hit the other guy." He will have to wait for his chance. Gerry Dulac can be reached at gdulac@post-gazette.com. First published on October 3, 2008 at 12:00 am

3 Steelers Notebook: Frazier passes tests, could play vs. Jaguars Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL Steelers Notebook: Frazier passes tests, could play vs. Jaguars Friday, October 03, 2008 By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Just three days after he was immobilized and carted to the locker room on a stretcher, outside linebacker Andre Frazier was back on the practice field and getting ready to play in Sunday night's game in Jacksonville, Fla. "I'm a prayerful man," Frazier said. "I wasn't too worried about it. Anything that comes is because the Lord chose to put that on me." Frazier was injured on the opening kickoff against the Baltimore Ravens when he was blocked by safety Haruki Nakamura, a former teammate at the University of Cincinnati, as he was running down the field. After lying on the field for nearly 10 minutes, complaining of a tingling sensation, he had his facemask cut off and was treated for precautionary reasons by the medical staff as if he had a spinal injury. But, even when he was supine on the field, Frazier repeatedly moved his legs and even raised his arm when he was carted from the field. He said he has passed all the follow-up tests associated with spinal or concussion-type injuries, including the impact test that measures brain process, memory and speed and motor skills reaction. Coach Mike Tomlin said Frazier will be tested again before he is allowed to play against the Jaguars. "Everything worked out fine and I was OK," Frazier said. "I just had a little tingling sensation. It was a little scary for me, not knowing exactly what was going on with the tingling. "It might have been like a slight concussion. They were more worried about my spine and neck. I felt tingling, and that's something related to when you have a spinal concussion. "It's just football. I can't really say anything else. I don't think it was a dirty hit or anything like that. Things happen out there. It's a violent game. But I'm here today speaking to y'all and I'm getting ready to practice. The Lord has blessed me." Big Ben expected to start Ben Roethlisberger did not practice for the second day in a row because he received an injection in his sore right shoulder -- an injury that has bothered him since the season opener. However, he is expected to practice today and will start against the Jaguars. Same with Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison (thigh bruise), who also missed his second day of practice. "It's the same situation he's been dealing with," Tomlin said. "He got better last week and was able to practice Thursday, but he wasn't able to practice this Thursday. Is that any indication where he is? Probably not. It's a great opportunity for Byron [Leftwich] to get some snaps and drive the bus." Roethlisberger sustained a low-grade shoulder separation in the season opener when he was sacked by defensive end Mario Williams of the Houston Texans. But he has not missed any playing time since and the injury does not appear to bother his throwing motion. More for Moore Tomlin said third-down back Mewelde Moore will be the starting running back against the Jaguars because of injuries to Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall and Carey Davis. However, he also said "we're prepared to be running back by committee," then added, "you know the contributors." That means Gary Russell, who was promoted this week from the practice squad, will be the top backup to Moore. Najeh Davenport, who was re-signed this week after being released in June, will probably play only in an emergency.

4 Steelers Notebook: Frazier passes tests, could play vs. Jaguars Page 2 of 2 "Gary is a solid downhill runner," said offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. "It's just been a numbers game at times with him. I wouldn't mind giving it to him 20 times a game. I've been waiting a couple years to see what he can really do." Injury updates Because of the physical game against the Ravens, Tomlin went easy on the players for the second day in a row, shortening practice by almost 20 minutes and having them wear shells instead of shoulder pads. In addition to Roethlisberger and Harrison, Davis (sprained ankle) and defensive end Nick Eason (groin) also did not practice for the second day in a row. Davis (sprained ankle), the starting fullback, was wearing a protective boot and walking on crutches. First published on October 3, 2008 at 12:00 am

5 Ward finds it's just as nice to give as it is to receive Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL Ward finds it's just as nice to give as it is to receive Friday, October 03, 2008 By Mike White, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Hines Ward gives back to his high school Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said it's his way of giving back. Through his way, the football players at his high school alma mater in Georgia now have new jerseys on their backs. And a new commercial washer and dryer to wash uniforms. And new weights in the weight room. Ward is certainly one giving receiver. Ward bought all of the above -- and then some -- for Forest Park High School's football team near Atlanta. Counting the new home and away uniforms (pants and jerseys) for 73 players, the washer and dryer, the new weights, the new shirts for the coaches, the new equipment bags for the players, an ice machine and some new water coolers, it is believed Ward paid in excess of $40,000. The jerseys alone were around $100 apiece. Sure, the guy makes millions. But this isn't something Ward had to do, and he didn't seek publicity for his generosity. Unlike some players who donate, he didn't have a news release sent to media outlets, and he didn't really want to talk about what he paid. "You don't have to publicize doing some good deeds. I just did it out of my heart," Ward said. "Things haven't been really going well at my high school and I had an opportunity to give back, so I did. Because it all started for me in high school." Ward played football, basketball and baseball at Forest Park before playing football at the University of Georgia. He was a 74th-round draft pick of the Florida Marlins baseball team after his senior year at Forest Park in Ward bought the uniforms from Tim Fogarty's Century Sports company in McMurray. Century supplies the Steelers uniforms as well as equipment and uniforms for many high school teams in the WPIAL. "He called up this summer and said he wanted to come out to our place and wanted to buy top of the line uniforms, the same quality the Steelers wear," Fogarty said. "He just said he wanted to give something back to his high school. I don't think you see many guys in his position give back this much to where they came from. You wish more guys did it." Rod Perrymond is in his first year as Forest Park's coach and he was Ward's roommate at the University of Georgia. "It's nice to see some pro athletes give back to the community where they came from," said Perrymond, who took over a program that had only one win the past three seasons. "I think maybe it also inspires the kids to maybe one day do the same

6 Ward finds it's just as nice to give as it is to receive Page 2 of 2 thing if they can." Ward also conducted a free football clinic this summer at Forest Park. He brought fellow Steelers Willie Parker, Casey Hampton and James Farrior with him for the clinic. "[Forest Park] has a lot of troubled kids who don't really have a lot of dreams and inspirations," Ward said. "They don't really have anyone to look up to. "We're blessed to be in the position to help them. But you just can't be blessed with athletic ability [in high school]. You have to be a student as well. A lot of kids nowadays need to hear that. Things don't get started if you don't do well in academics.... I was good. I had a 3.8 grade average. Academics were important to me and having those grades made it easier for me. But a lot of these kids wait until the last minute. They get to their senior years and they're trying to play catch-up in school for what they did as freshmen and sophomores." Ward likes high school football and has attended WPIAL games at McKeesport and Gateway. He said he also regularly reads about top local teams and players. "I'm a big high school fan," Ward said. "To this day, I love watching kids. To this day, I'd say if I wasn't playing football, I'd be a high school coach." Mike White can be reached at mwhite@post-gazette.com or First published on October 3, 2008 at 12:00 am

7 Obituary: Valerio R. "Val" Jansante / Late '40s Steelers star dies Page 1 of 2 Obituary: Valerio R. "Val" Jansante / Late '40s Steelers star dies Sept. 27, Oct. 1, 2008 Friday, October 03, 2008 By Robert Dvorchak, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Tim Jansante said it wasn't until he was in high school that his father mentioned that he played for the Steelers. "He was a very modest man. He rarely talked about it. But he was very proud to be associated with the Steelers organization," the son said. But Valerio R. "Val" Jansante played on the first Steelers team to be involved in a playoff (a divisional tiebreaker the Steelers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1947), and one of his receiving records stood until Hines Ward broke it last season. Yet Val Jansante remains relatively obscure because he played in the age before football became married to TV, so his history is hidden in archives and not captured on videotape. He was with the Steelers from , when he was traded in midseason and played briefly for the Green Bay Packers. In those days, players pulled double-duty on offense and defense, and Mr. Jansante was a receiver of note and also a defensive end. He made the NFL All-Pro team one season and was a second-teamer another time in the years of leather helmets that had no logos or facemasks. As an indication of his versatility, and in an era when the Steelers rarely threw the ball, Mr. Jansante was the first receiver in franchise history to catch 10 passes in a single game, which he did in a 1949 game against the Eagles. By one account, his 10 catches accounted for all of the team's completions in that game. And in 1950, well before quarterback sacks became an official statistic, he would have led the NFL with 8.5 sacks. Mr. Jansante, 88, of Bentleyville, Washington County, died Wednesday in the emergency department of the Monongahela Valley Hospital. No cause of death was given. Art Rooney Jr. was a ball boy and equipment manager in the years that Mr. Jansante was on the Steelers. "Jack Butler was a rookie in 1951, and he told me Jansante had tremendous speed and could catch the ball, and he was tough as a boot. He could have played today. He was one of those guys who was a member of the Greatest Generation," Mr. Rooney said. After playing football at Bentleyville High School, Mr. Jansante attended Duquense University when the Dukes were a national power. He was eligible for the draft in 1943, but he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. He joined the Steelers after he was discharged from the service. In his time with the Steelers, he led the team in receiving for five consecutive seasons. No other receiver matched that streak until Mr. Ward led the Steelers in receptions for the sixth time in a row last season. The Packers wanted Mr. Jansante to stay on for the 1952 season, but he was a Pittsburgh guy. "He was homesick for Bentleyville. He couldn't stand being away from Bentleyville," Tim Jansante said. Always a member in good standing with the Steelers family, Mr. Jansante was invited for special ceremonies at the opening of Heinz Field, and he was an honorary captain during the 75th anniversary season while participating in the coin toss in a game against the San Francisco 49ers. Mr. Jansante also was on the ballot for consideration when the 50th anniversary and 75th anniversary teams were selected. After his player career, Val Jansante coached football at Central Catholic, Mon Valley Catholic and Bentworth High School. He also coached baseball, boys' basketball and girls' basketball while serving for 20 years as a school board member at Bentworth. He is in the Duquesne University Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and the Mon Valley Sports Hall of Fame.

8 Obituary: Valerio R. "Val" Jansante / Late '40s Steelers star dies Page 2 of 2 Mr. Jansante is survived by his wife, Germaine. The couple had 12 children, three of whom preceded him in death. He also has 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home in Bentleyville from 2 to 9 p.m. today. A prayer service will be held at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at Ave Maria Church. Burial will follow in St. Luke Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bentworth Senior Citizens, 931 Main St., Bentleyville, PA Robert Dvorchak can be reached at bdvorchak@post-gazette.com. First published on October 3, 2008 at 12:00 am

9 Leftwich rediscovers comfort zone - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Steelers' Leftwich rediscovers comfort zone By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Friday, October 3, 2008 Wide receiver Hines Ward called the player who has been on the Steelers for less than three months a "locker room favorite." Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said backup quarterback Byron Leftwich has been "awesome" and a "breath of fresh air." If Leftwich is already this well-liked among the Steelers coaches and players, one can only imagine how he will be received this weekend when he makes a homecoming of sorts. Leftwich spent the first four years of his career in Jacksonville, and he figures to press more flesh than a politician before and after the Steelers' game against the Jaguars. One person that doesn't figure to receive a warm greeting from Leftwich is Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio. And the relationship -- or perhaps lack thereof -- between the two is a major reason why Leftwich is in Pittsburgh filling the behind-the-scenes but vital role of backup to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. "We didn't see eye to eye," Leftwich said of Del Rio. "I never felt like I was his guy from the beginning." What may seem odd about that is the two were together from their beginning in Jacksonville. Del Rio made Leftwich his first draft pick as coach of the Jaguars (seventh overall in 2003), and the latter started 44 of the 46 games he played for Del Rio in Jacksonville. Leftwich said he was preparing to start again last season when Del Rio made an abrupt switch at quarterback and named David Garrard the starter. Leftwich, who had missed the final 10 games of the 2006 season with an ankle injury, didn't just find himself out of a job; he found himself looking for a new team as well. In retrospect, it's hard to argue with the decision Del Rio made. Garrard finished third only to Tom Brady and Roethlisberger in passer rating last season and led the Jaguars to the divisional round of the AFC playoffs. Still, what happened at the end of his career with the Jaguars blindsided Leftwich.

10 Leftwich rediscovers comfort zone - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 That is why he probably won't be seeking out Del Rio before or after the game. "It was unfortunate for me that it happened," Leftwich said, "but at the same time, I'm happy to be a Pittsburgh Steeler right now." The Steelers are more than happy that Leftwich happened to be available after Charlie Batch broke his collarbone in early August. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder has embraced his role with the Steelers, and he filled in capably when Roethlisberger left the Eagles game Sept. 21 with a hand injury. Leftwich completed 4 of 7 passes for 60 yards and engineered a late drive that stalled in Eagles' territory after Tomlin opted to go for it on fourth down. There is a small chance Leftwich could return to Jacksonville as a starting quarterback. Roethlisberger didn't practice Thursday because of a tender shoulder stemming from the A/C joint sprain he suffered in the first game of the season. Tomlin said he expects Roethlisberger to play against the Jaguars but added, "We've got all the confidence in the world in Byron." It is not hard to see why. Leftwich, who is only 28, still prepares and carries himself as if he were a starter. Yet, as Ward pointed out, he also understands his place as a backup and accepts that the only throwing he is likely to do on game days is warming up the wide receivers. "He kind of walks around with that kind of air about him," Tomlin said, "but at the same time, he's very humble." Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

11 Roethlisberger misses practice - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Notebook: Roethlisberger misses practice By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Friday, October 3, 2008 Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) missed practice for a second consecutive day Thursday, but the Steelers quarterback is expected to play Sunday against the Jaguars. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Roethlisberger is still recovering from an A/C joint sprain he suffered in the first game of the season. "I think he's going to be fine," Tomlin said. "It got better last week, and he was able to practice Thursday. (He) wasn't able to practice this Thursday. Is that any indication of where (the shoulder) is? Probably not." Tomlin said Mewelde Moore will start at running back Sunday in place of Willie Parker (knee). Newly signed running backs Najeh Davenport and Gary Russell will also figure into the mix at running back, Tomlin said. "We're prepared to be a running back by committee," Tomlin said. Fullback Carey Davis (ankle), defensive end Nick Eason (groin) and linebacker Patrick Bailey (hamstring) also missed practice yesterday, while linebackers James Harrison (quadricep) and Andre Frazier (concussion) were limited in practice. Tomlin said it doesn't look likely that either Davis or Eason will play in Sunday's 8:15 p.m. game. Frazier is optimistic he will return less than a week after he was carted off it with what appeared to be a spinal injury. "I'm taped up," Frazier said. "I'm ready." Frazier got hit in the head from the side while covering the opening kickoff of last Monday night's game against the Ravens. He stayed down for more than 10 minutes while medical personnel attended to him. Frazier said he never lost any feeling in his body and was taken off the field in a headboard as a precaution. Frazier said he suffered a spinal concussion but expects to be cleared to play Sunday. He said he has already passed a battery of tests; Tomlin said he will undergo more tests prior to the game as a precaution. Nose tackle Casey Hampton (groin) and defensive end Brett Keisel (calf) are already out for Sunday giving the Steelers only five defensive linemen with Eason. If he is unable to go they are likely to sign defensive tackle Scott Paxson from their practice squad. Davis, who has a sprained ankle, was wearing a boot on his left foot yesterday. If he doesn't play, tight end Sean McHugh would serve as the Steelers' fullback. Tomlin said he has decided who will start in place of Kendall Simmons at right guard. Darnell Stapleton, who filled in for Simmons after the seventh-year veteran suffered a season-ending foot injury last Monday night, has gotten the

12 Roethlisberger misses practice - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 majority of work with the first-team offensive line this week. Tomlin, however, said not to count out tackle Trai Essex, who got a lot of work at guard during training camp. Digits Times Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked in four career games against the Jaguars Rushing yards the Jaguars averaged in two games against the Steelers last season. Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

13 .: Print Version :. Page 1 of 1 Print Page FRIDAY OCTOBER 3, 2008 :: Last modified: Thursday, October 2, :44 PM EDT Roethlisberger misses another practice By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff PITTSBURGH -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed is second straight day of practice but still expects to start Sunday night in Jacksonville. Roethlisberger is still sore from a shoulder sprain he suffered in the Sept. 7 season opener. He wasn t quite well enough to go, coach Mike Tomlin said after today s practice. But like in recent weeks, I think he ll be fine. Roethlisberger has not missed a game yet this season. He was not even listed on the Steelers official injury report prior to Monday night s overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens. For the second straight practice, backup QB Byron Leftwich took all the snaps today with the firstteam offense. In the unlikely event that Roethlisberger can t play Sunday, Leftwich would start against his former teammates. Leftwich started for the Jaguars from

14 .: Print Version :. Page 1 of 1 Print Page FRIDAY OCTOBER 3, 2008 :: Last modified: Friday, October 3, :03 AM EDT Moore will start for Steelers By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff PITTSBURGH --- Sunday night in Jacksonville, the Steelers will start their third different running back in as many games. This time, it s Mewelde Moore s turn. With starter Willie Parker missing his second game with a sprained knee and backup Rashard Mendenhall done for the season with a broken shoulder, Moore was named the starter Thursday. Mewelde will start, but we re prepared to be running back by committee, coach Mike Tomlin said. You know the contributors. Backing up Moore will be Najeh Davenport, the former Steeler who was signed Tuesday, and Gary Russell, who was promoted from the practice squad Wednesday. Meanwhile, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed his second straight day of practice but still expects to start against the Jaguars. Roethlisberger is still sore from a shoulder sprain he suffered in the Sept. 7 season opener. Others who missed practice Thursday were defensive end Nick Eason (groin), linebacker Patrick Bailey (hamstring) and fullback Carey Davis (ankle). Davis definitely won t play against the Jaguars. It s unlikely that Eason and Bailey will be in uniform. Beside Parker, nose tackle Casey Hampton (groin) and defensive end Brett Keisel (calf) were declared out for the Jacksonville game by Tomlin on Tuesday. In the overtime win Monday over the Baltimore Ravens, Mendenhall and guard Kendall Simmons (ruptured Achilles tendon) suffered season-ending injuries.

15 .: Print Version :. Page 1 of 2 Print Page FRIDAY OCTOBER 3, 2008 :: Last modified: Friday, October 3, :59 AM EDT Frazier practices after scary MNF injury By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers injury situation has been depressing lately. But on Thursday, the sight of Andre Frazier on the practice field was nothing short of a joyous occasion. Just four days ago, it looked as though the backup linebacker had suffered an injury that might end his season or possibly his career. It s always scary when you see somebody lying flat and then they have to bring the board out, coach Mike Tomlin said of the neck/spine injury Frazier suffered in Monday night s overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens. Frazier, 26, was hurt while running down the field on the game s opening kickoff. He was hit violently by Haruki Nakamura, a backup safety who blocks on the Ravens kickoff return team. After kick return specialist Yamon Figurs was tackled, all attention turned toward an area of the field where Frazier was laying flat on the ground. A rowdy Monday night crowd turned silent as physicians strapped Frazier to a stretcher and then carted him away. Yeah, it was scary, especially for us linebackers, Larry Foote said. Us linebackers, we re a close bunch. And when you see one of our guys lying on the field basically motionless, it hits close to home. Luckily, Frazier s injury wasn t as serious as it first appeared.

16 .: Print Version :. Page 2 of 2 As he was carted off the field, he lifted his arms skyward in a gesture to show his teammates and family members that he was conscious and alert. In the Heinz Field stands that night were his wife Kea and the couple s two children, 5-year-old son Andre II and 2-year-old daughter Kayla. His father, former Bengals linebacker Guy Frazier, was home in Cincinnati watching the game on TV. I ve never been in a situation like that before. I ve never been placed on that board before, said Frazier, a fourth-year pro. I m just thankful to the good Lord that He saw fit to bless me and to make sure everything s OK and that all my extremities are working. My wife was probably a little scared and nervous. But we re a prayerful family. We pray together all the time. We know the Lord is protecting me. Whatever he has planned for me, we have to take and accept. Even though Frazier practiced Thursday, it s too early to tell if he ll be able to play Sunday night when the Steelers (3-1) play the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2). He has already undergone extensive medical testing and will continue to do so before he gets the green light to play again. He s taken all the tests and he looks to be doing remarkable fine, Tomlin said. But we ll continue to evaluate him. His health is first and foremost. Mike Bires can be reached online at mbires@timesonline.com

17 Steelers trying to plug hole on offensive line Page 1 of 2 Steelers trying to plug hole on offensive line By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer dlolley@observer-reporter.com PITTSBURGH - When you've given up 16 sacks, second-most in the league, and your offense is ranked 29th out of 32, losing a starting offensive lineman might not be so serious. Things can't get much worse for Pittsburgh, can it? The Steelers (3-1) have been working Darnell Stapleton and Trai Essex at right guard and the winner will replace Kendall Simmons when they travel to Jacksonville (2-2) for a Sunday night game. Simmons was placed on injured reserve after suffering an Achilles tendon injury in the team's victory over Baltimore Monday night. Head coach Mike Tomlin won't say which player is ahead. "Right now, Darnell (Stapleton) is getting more snaps than Trai (Essex)," said Tomlin. "He's got more recent history in the position in terms of practice. Trai has been concentrating quite a bit on swing tackle. But both guys will work and we haven't made a final decision there. We really don't have to until Sunday night." With four career starts, including one at left tackle in the Steelers' playoff loss to the Jaguars last season, Essex has more experience than Stapleton, who made the team as an undrafted rookie last season. Stapleton, who also is the backup center, played against the Ravens after Simmons was injured. Essex was inactive. The 6-3, 305-pound Stapleton was matched with Baltimore's 350-pound Haloti Ngata. "I know I'm not 350 pounds, but I can hold my own," said Stapleton of his first NFL regular season action. "It went all right. He's a load and I think I held my own." Whoever wins the starting position this week could hold it for the remainder of the season. For Essex, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, it could be a chance to prove he's capable of being a starter. "I'd be lying if I said this isn't a good opportunity," said Essex. "If I get in there and perform well, I might be there the rest of the season. So it's a great opportunity." With the bye week coming up following the Jacksonville game, Tomlin might make more changes. That could include moving right tackle Willie Colon to guard and inserting Max Starks in his place. "Whatever it takes," Colon said. "I just want to win. If I can step in and be a factor, fine. I take pride in playing right tackle, but I also take pride in being in the starting lineup and winning games." Odds and end zones

18 Steelers trying to plug hole on offensive line Page 2 of 2 Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed his second consecutive day of practice Thursday to rest his sore right shoulder, but Tomlin said Roethlisberger should be ready to play Sunday. Also missing practice were linebacker Patrick Bailey (hamstring), fullback Carey Davis (ankle) and defensive end Nick Eason (groin). Tomlin said it's unlikely Davis and Eason will play. Cornerback Drayton Florence and safety Reggie Nelson missed practiced Wednesday and Thursday. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

19 The Herald Standard - Sports - 10/03/ Roethlisberger expected to play Page 1 of 2 10/03/2008 Roethlisberger expected to play By Jim Wexell, For the Herald-Standard PITTSBURGH - Ben Roethlisberger's sore right shoulder forced the Steelers' quarterback out of his second practice this week, but Coach Mike Tomlin expects Roethlisberger to play Sunday night in Jacksonville. "He felt better today," said Tomlin. "Like in recent weeks, I think he's going to be fine." Roethlisberger's throwing shoulder has been sore since Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams sacked him in the opener. Last week Roethlisberger missed the first practice, but practiced on Thursday. Tomlin said the familiarity with the Jaguars, whom the Steelers played twice in their final 20 days last season, should help Roethlisberger with limited work. Advertisement "I imagine that it does," Tomlin said. "But we're a different team than we were a year ago; they're a different team than they were a year ago. Gregg Williams is there as the defensive coordinator; got to acknowledge that. There are some things that are new and different from a quarterback standpoint in terms of preparing for Jacksonville." If Roethlisberger can't play, former Jaguar Byron Leftwich, who started 44 games before being cut at the end of Jacksonville's 2007 training camp, would step in for the Steelers. Moore to start Tomlin named Mewelde Moore the starting halfback after Thursday's practice. An off-season free-agent acquisition, Moore said he "was picked up to beat linebackers one-on-one" as the Steelers' third-down back. He did that twice last week late in the game to help the Steelers beat the Baltimore Ravens in overtime. Moore rushed eight times for 13 yards and caught three passes for 37 yards against the Ravens. A veteran of four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Moore hasn't started since the 2005 season, when he started eight games. He's made 11 starts in his career and has four 100-yard games. His most productive start was a 22-carry, 122-yard performance at Green Bay on a Monday night. "I started a couple Monday nights," he said. "Being national and big and everything, this is in the same category as those games. But it doesn't matter if it's a night game or a day game, it's the next game. That's the most important thing." Moore gives the Steelers a pass-catching threat out of the backfield on all three downs. He'll likely carry that full load since just-signed Najeh Davenport is still working his way into football shape. "He's been diligent in how he's preparing himself, but he's hurrying up to catch up," Tomlin said of Davenport. With Carey Davis doubtful with a sprained ankle, and Willie Parker out with a knee injury, and Rashard Mendenhall out for the season on injured reserve, the Steelers' third and final running back is Gary Russell, who was called up from the practice squad this week. Right guard update Trai Essex took his turn today, but Darnell Stapleton remains a strong contender to play right guard in place of Kendall Simmons, who was placed on injured reserve with a ruptured Achilles' tendon. "Darnell's getting more snaps than Trai," Tomlin said. "He's got more recent history at the position, in terms of practice. Trai's been concentrating quite a bit at swing tackle. But both guys will work and we haven't made a final decision. We really don't have to till Sunday night." X's and O's

20 The Herald Standard - Sports - 10/03/ Roethlisberger expected to play Page 2 of 2 Nick Eason is doubtful with a groin injury. His absence would leave the Steelers with only four available defensive linemen. Scott Paxson and newly signed Jordan Reffett are available on the practice squad.... Andre Frazier, who suffered a concussion on the opening kickoff Monday night, worked in the non-padded practice and is questionable for the game.... Bryant McFadden is still the starter at left cornerback over Deshea Townsend, who played Monday and has been practicing. The Herald Standard 2008

21 Jacksonville.com: Print this story Page 1 of 2 The Florida Times-Union October 3, 2008 Most popular stories: Most viewed Most printed Most ed Holes are pits for Steelers Injuries deplete depth chart for Pittsburgh, which has lost four in a row to Jags MICHAEL C. WRIGHT The Times-Union The Pittsburgh Steelers started the season expecting to undertake a rebuilding effort on both lines. Reconstruction now seems to be taking place everywhere for the Steelers (3-1), who enter Sunday night's game at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium against the Jaguars (2-2) with an injury report featuring 12 players, including their top two running backs. It's not exactly an ideal situation, considering the Steelers come into Sunday's game on a four-game losing streak against the Jaguars, including last year's AFC playoff game in Pittsburgh. "I've said repeatedly, [injuries are] as much a part of the game as blocking and tackling, and the teams that have been successful are the ones that make quick adjustments and understand that the standards of expectation don't change," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "You guys have been through it down there. It looks like that team is on track. They're pushing through. We have to do the same." Known for their physical brand of football, the Steelers might find difficulty achieving that goal against the Jaguars, who also hold a reputation for having smash-mouth intentions. Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger continues to play through a bruised right shoulder, two-time Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker is out with a strained knee, and his replacement - rookie Rashard Mendenhall - fractured his shoulder Monday night in the Steelers' overtime victory over the Baltimore Ravens. "We know we're not the same team we were the last time we played [the Jaguars]," said Tomlin, who started his first season with the Steelers 9-3 before losing four of the last five games. "There's recent history, which makes it interesting for the fans. That's great. But we're just focusing on where we are right now." Defensive linemen Casey Hampton (groin) and Brett Keisel (calf), both won't play against the Jaguars. Neither will starting right guard Kendall Simmons, who suffered a season-ending injury against Baltimore when he ruptured an Achilles tendon. With Parker and Mendenhall out, Pittsburgh was down to only one healthy running back (Mewelde

22 Jacksonville.com: Print this story Page 2 of 2 Moore, who has started 11 games in five years) before it signed former backup Najeh Davenport on Tuesday and activated Gary Russell from the practice squad one day later. "I know they're banged up at running back," said Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, who has experienced similar injury issues with his team. "Every guy they've ever plugged in at running back has been a good player. They'll do a good job of finding somebody to plug in, and they'll expect them to roll." The Steelers need to take that plug-and-play philosophy into their offensive line, too. Trai Esssex and Darnell Stapleton are competing in practice this week to replace Simmons. Roethlisberger has been sacked 15 times through four games, the most in the AFC. Pittsburgh's decision to not rebuild the offensive line - which included allowing five-time All-Pro guard Alan Faneca to leave through free agency - stemmed from a desire to secure a long-term deal with Roethlisberger "and others," according to Tomlin, who added that "those are decisions that every team has to make." In two games last season, the Jaguars sacked Roethlisberger 11 times. "We've faced some very good defenses, and you have to remember they get paid, too. I have all the confidence in the world in my guys that we'll get it done," Roethlisberger said. "Everybody is banged up; it's football. It's tough. But the good thing is you have guys willing to step up, and we have confidence in the guys who are going to be there and are ready to play the game." michael.wright@jacksonville.com, (904) This story can be found on Jacksonville.com at Home News Business Entertainment Sports Community Resources This site, and all its content, The Florida Times-Union

23 N.F.L. Roundup - Raiders Russell Says He Liked Kiffin - NYTimes.com Page 1 of 2 October 3, 2008 N.F.L. ROUNDUP Raiders Russell Says Kiffin Always Treated Him Fairly By JOE LAPOINTE Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell was caught off-guard when the team s owner, Al Davis, said earlier this week that the former coach Lane Kiffin was against drafting Russell last year. Russell, the first overall pick in 2007, felt he had a strong relationship with Kiffin and said the two often joked with one another. They worked together closely during the off-season and into training camp, and would routinely exchange text messages after games. It just kind of came out of nowhere, Russell said Thursday of the statement that Kiffin did not want to draft him. I really don t think myself or Coach Kiffin or anybody else were looking for that to come out that way. Davis made the claim during a news conference Tuesday in which the Raiders announced the firing of Kiffin for cause and promoted his replacement, the offensive line coach Tom Cable. Oakland used the first pick on Russell, who missed off-season workouts and training camp during his rookie season while in contract negotiations. He eventually signed a $61 million contract, but did not play until late in the season and started the finale. Russell was given the starting job this past off-season. At one point in the off-season, Kiffin telephoned Russell to give him a hard time when reports circulated that Russell s weight had ballooned to 300 pounds. Russell did not watch the news conference announcing Kiffin s firing and acknowledged he was disappointed by the move. He also defended Kiffin s decision to bring him along slowly as a quarterback, a move that has been criticized as the Raiders got off to a slow start this year. I appreciate the opportunity he gave me to play in the National Football League, Russell said. I wish for him to go out and get him a job, because he s a good guy, a good coach. I don t look for him to sit around long; he should be able to get a job somewhere. WESTBROOK PRACTICES AGAIN Eagles running back Brian Westbrook practiced for the second straight day, and he appeared to be getting a little healthier. His participation was limited again after sitting out last week because of an ankle injury sustained in Week 3, but his coaches were encouraged with his progress. (AP) AROUND THE LEAGUE Buffalo Bills receiver Lee Evans signed a four-year contract extension that could be worth $37.25 million. He is guaranteed to make $18.25 million. Re-signing Evans was considered the Bills top priority this year.... The Bears suspended defensive tackle Tommie Harris for Sunday s game against the

24 N.F.L. Roundup - Raiders Russell Says He Liked Kiffin - NYTimes.com Page 2 of 2 Lions for breaking a team rule.... Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs will probably miss Sunday s game against the Eagles with a strained calf, Coach Jim Zorn said. (AP) Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company Privacy Policy Search Corrections RSS First Look Help Contact Us Work for Us Site Map

25 Bills extend WR Lee Evans for four years - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 2 Powered by Bills extend WR Lee Evans for four years ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Having stuck it out through the tough times in Buffalo, receiver Lee Evans had no intention of leaving now that the Bills have begun to turn the corner with their fast start. Advertisement Looks like Evans will be around for quite a while longer after Thursday, when he signed a four-year, $37.25 million contract extension that locks him up through 2012 and prevents the Bills from losing him to free agency this offseason. Under terms of the deal, Evans is guaranteed $18.25 million, representing a significant raise over the $2.25 million base salary he'll make this season, the final year of the rookie contract. "It's really hard to put into words. I'm very excited," Evans told The Associated Press. "I really wanted to stay here. We have a great group of guys and a great organization to be a part of." The deal is a renewed indication of the Bills' commitment to securing their core stars, and was struck at a time when AFC East-leading Buffalo (4-0) is off to its best start in 16 years in an attempt to end an eight-year playoff drought, the longest in franchise history. The Bills were not available for comment except to announce the contract in a press release issued hours after the team completed practice in preparing for Sunday's game at Arizona. The Bills had previously maintained that re-signing Evans was their top priority this year. The Bills 2004 first-round pick out of Wisconsin, Evans had enjoyed only one winning season in Buffalo, his first, when the Bills finished 9-7 but missed the playoffs with a season-ending loss to Pittsburgh. And yet, he was so eager to stay in Buffalo that he refused to establish a deadline even as negotiations dragged on into the season. Evans also shrugged off speculation that he had the opportunity to cash in as one of the NFL's more high-profile free agents this offseason or, at the very least, force the Bills to retain his rights for one more year by designating him as their franchise player. "It took a lot of patience on both sides," Evans said, in regards to talks which opened last spring. "But they were men of their words. They told me they were going to get this deal done and that's what happened." Evans certainly didn't play as if he was distracted because he's off to the hottest start of his career this season with 14 catches, a team-leading 332 yards receiving and one touchdown. He ranks second among AFC receivers in yards and has six catches of 25 yards or longer, tying Green Bay's Greg Jennings for most in the NFL. Evans already ranks seventh on the Bills' career list with 4,059 yards receiving, and fifth with 30 career touchdowns receiving. His best season came in 2006, when he finished sixth in the NFL with 1,292 yards receiving. Evans' production, though, tailed off last year when he finished with 849 yards and a career low five touchdowns. The drop in numbers were in part a reflection of the Bills' carousel at quarterback. Starter J.P. Losman was benched twice and eventually lost the job for good to current starter Trent Edwards last November. It didn't help that Buffalo also lacked a secondary receiving threat to draw attention away from Evans. Things have changed this season as the Bills Offense is clicking under first-year coordinator Turk Schonert. The offense has already produced

26 Bills extend WR Lee Evans for four years - USATODAY.com Page 2 of 2 10 touchdowns (not including returns) after managing just 20 last year. "He always believed this was going to be a good team," Evans' agent Ben Dogra told The AP. "He's very comfortable with the leadership at the top. And the winning this year was the icing on the cake." With Evans signed, the Bills secured another core player after they extended the contracts of defensive tackle Kyle Williams and guard Brad Butler this past summer. The Bills, last year, also extended the deals of defensive ends Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay, and punter Brian Moorman. Next on the Bills' to-do list is negotiating a contract extension with left tackle Jason Peters, who ended an offseason-long holdout when he reported to the team early last month. Peters reported only after he received certain assurances from the Bills that they would open talks to restructure the final two years the Pro Bowl player has left on his contract after this season. Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Find this article at: Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.