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As I mentioned in my top 10 things to watch pre game analysis of the Washington Redskins game, Stefan Logan needed to impress last night to have any shot of making the roster. The human joystick did just that. Logan was blistering on kickoff returns and showed good hands and vision on the punt returns. Couple that with the fumble by rookie cornerback Joe Burnett on his one return attempt and Logan has securely placed himself just inside the bubble wall. Logan is officially listed as a wide receiver, but can play at running back if needed. The one drawback on Logan is that he likely could not make much of an impact on kick the coverage unit. His return abilities may be just enough though.

The Steelers were first specualed at keeping 4 running backs and one fullback on the roster, but depending on the the health of running back Mewelde Moore, they very well could only carry three running backs and one fullback. The wildcards: rookie running back Isaac Redman and rookie fullback Frank Summers could be risked to pass waivers to be signed to the practice squad, leaving Moore, Willie Parker Rashard Mendenhall and Carey Davis as the lone backfield core on the roster.

Another scenario would be to carry one less linebacker, meaning neither Patrick Bailey or Bruce Davis make the roster. This would enable the Steelers to keep either Summers or Redman in addition to Logan and relegate the other to the practice squad. The last scenario would be to go with one less cornerback, meaning that the rookie Burnett might be a final cut and signed to the practice squad.

The best thing right now, is that two pre season games remain and the final cuts are a long ways off still. Logan likely has earned at least another look in the final two games and could also be showcased to see what trade offers might be available as well. This is an unlikely scenario, but the Steelers themselves traded for return specialist Allen Rossum just prior to the 2007 season, so it remains a possibility. With the start of the season still three full weeks away, these things usually work themselves out naturally, but rest assured Logan opened up some eyes and kept his NFL dreams alive on Saturday night in Washington.

The Steelers kick off their second pre-season game Saturday night versus the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Below are 10 things to I believe Steeler fans should look for in the second game.

Essex/Colon vs Haynesworth - Right guard Trai Essex graded out well in the first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals according to offensive line coach Larry Zierlein. Saturday will be a test for both Essex and right tackle Willie Colon as Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth hopes to see his first action of the preseason. Look for the Steelers to try to run right at him.

Where Do Hills/Foster Line Up - It will be interesting to watch where second year tackle Tony Hills and rookie free agent Ramon Foster line up on Saturday. Foster worked last week at the left guard position and Hills at his natural left tackle spot. There have been reports that Foster may get work this week at left tackle and Hills may move to right tackle spot. If indeed the case, Hills performance on the right side may decide if he makes the final 53 man roster.

Human Joystick Audition - CFL star Stefan Logan will reportedly get work returning both punts and kickoffs on Saturday. He might be auditioning for a practice squad spot or a spot on another team. It seems rookie cornerback Joe Burnett has all but locked up the punt return duties and fellow rookie Mike Wallace the kick return duties, so this is Logan's last chance to impress.

Summers/Redman - Rookie running backs, Isaac Redman and Frank Summers may be battling for one spot. Not only will their offensive work be looked at, but their special teams play as well. Redman may get some carries with the first team and Summers will likely work at fullback on Saturday. For both to make the roster, they would have to unseat special team ace, Carey Davis. Davis is a monster contributor on special teams, so it will not be an easy chore.

Charlie Batch Work - After the Thursday practice scare starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger got, it seems that Charlie Batch may now start on Saturday. Batch did not play much against the Arizona Cardinals, so he may play the entire first quarter on Saturday. It would be nice to see where is arm strength is.

Defensive Line Push - Last week the starting front three failed to get a good push against the Cardinals. They looked like they were going through the motions. The Redskins starting offensive line will be a good test.

Rashard, Rashard, Rashard - While last week was pretty mediocre, I expect Rashard Mendenhall will get more work this week. Once again we are looking for work between the tackles and making the first man miss. Holding on to the football is paramount as well.

Safety Depth - Look for Ryan Mundy to work at both safety spots Saturday. Tyrone Carter will likely get a ton of work on the strong side. Will be interesting to see if rookie Keenan Lewis gets any safety work as well to test his versatility.

Urbik Milk Carton - From all early reports, rookie guard Kraig Urbik is struggling. So much so he may indeed already be on the bubble. We did not see too much of him last week, so he might get a longer look on Saturday. Big Ten offensive lineman drafted in the first 3 rounds usually fair well. Lets hope he is not a bust.

Getting Ziggy With It - After a decent showing in against Arizona, and several more practices under his belt, it is time for Ziggy to show the goods. look for a much better performance this week from the Steelers first round pick.

The Steelers worked in the rain on Wednesday and practiced the vertical field two minute offense. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is looking stronger every day and ready for the season.

Injury wise: Linebacker James Harrison (virus), offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton (knee), defensive tackle Scott Paxson (elbow), defensive tackle Nick Eason (calf) and running back Frank Summers (hamstring) didn’t practice on Wednesday. Running back Mewelde Moore (hamstring) remains limited.

The Steelers wrap up training camp on Thursday with two practice sessions and a softball game. Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma visited today as well.

Below are links to Wednesday practice reports.

http://news.steelers.com/article/108397/

http://news.steelers.com/article/106569/

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/viewfromthepressbox/show_comments.php?entry_id=4837

http://steelers.dve.com/pages/mikeprisuta.html

Tuesday the Steelers concentrated on red zone work and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger deemed his arm is arm is feeling better.

Injury wise: Tight end Sean McHugh (knee) and offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton (knee) did not practice. Defensive end Nick Eason (calf) left practice early. Defensive end Scott Paxson (elbow) was hurt during practice but finished. Running back Mewelde Moore (hamstring) returned on Tuesday to work limited in position drills.

Below are links to practice reports from Tuesday.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09230/991695-66.stm?cmpid=steelers.xml

http://pit.scout.com/2/889709.html

http://steelers.dve.com/pages/mikeprisuta.html

http://news.steelers.com/article/108383

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/viewfromthepressbox/show_comments.php?entry_id=4826

The Steelers held two practice sessions on Monday on what was a very hot day in Latrobe. Injury wise the Steelers remain relatively healthy. Offensive linemen Darnell Stapleton (knee) remains sidelined and likely will not start practicing until next week. Running back Frank Summers (groin) and wide receiver Shaun McDonald (calf) were held out, but should be back on Tuesday. Running back Mewelde Moore (hamstring) missed yet another practice on Monday, but may be close to returning soon.

Below are links to various practice reports on Monday.

http://steelers.dve.com/pages/mikeprisuta.html

http://news.steelers.com/article/108351/

http://news.steelers.com/article/106569/

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/viewfromthepressbox/show_comments.php?entry_id=4817

http://www.wpxi.com/sports/20236340/detail.html

The Steelers kick off their pre-season Thursday night versus the Arizona Cardinals at Heinz Field. Below are 10 things to look for in the first game.

Return Game - The Steelers return game ranked 31st in punt return average and 29th in kickoff return average during the 2008 season and is a huge focus this season. Rookie Mike Wallace is a lock to make the roster as a number three or four wide receiver, but more importantly he can help instantly on the kick-off return. Rookie corner Joe Burnett will get some looks as a punt returner and will likely have to shine doing so to make the final 53 man roster. The same goes for CFL free agent Stefan Logan.

Offensive Line Depth - The starting offensive line is all but set, but questions remain at the depth of the position. Darnell Stapleton is already sidelined as he recovers from minor knee surgery, so Doug Legursky, rookie A.Q. Shipley and newly signed veteran Alex Stepanovich will get plenty of work on Thursday at center. Undrafted free agent Ramon Foster, rookie Kraig Urbik and second year tackle Tony Hills look to be battling for roster spots as well. Foster has been the most impressive so far and camp and may get looks at both the guard and tackle position.

Number 5 Receiver Spot - Dallas Baker has been impressing as of late in camp as he looks to battle veteran Shaun McDonald and undrafted free agent Tyler Grisham for a roster spot. Brandon Williams and Martin Nance have missed practice time with injuries and look to play for a practice squad spot. The Steelers will likely only carry 5 receivers on the roster so it looks to come down to Baker or McDonald.

Rashard Mendenhall Health - Look for second year running back Rashard Mendenhall to get a ton of first half work to see how he can handle the work load as he comes off of his 2008 shoulder injury. The Steelers will look to see if Mendenhall can run between the tackles and also hold onto the football after fumbling problems plagued him in the 2008 pre-season.

Short Yardage Guy - Rookie Isaac Redman had a good showing in camp goalline drills and looks to battle fellow rookie Frank Summers and veteran Carey Davis for roster spots. Davis contributes heavily on special teams, so the play of both Summers and Redman on special teams will also play a huge role.

Linebacker Depth - Bruce Davis has been inconsistent thus far, but still can take a reserve linebacker spot. Several undrafted backers look to be playing for one spot on the roster.

Ziggy Hood & Keenan Lewis Progress - Both defensive end Ziggy Hood and cornerback Keenan Lewis have lived up to their draft status thus far in camp. Both will get a ton of playing time throughout the pre-season to get ready for needed depth on the roster. Strong performances by both during the pre-season could influence how the Steelers address some free agents headed into their final years. Look for both of their names to be called a bunch on Thursday night.

Does Charlie Batch Still Have It - After a slow start by the aging veteran quarterback, Charlie Batch has shown flashes this last week. Batch needs to show the Steelers made the right choice in letting 2008 backup Byron Leftwich walk. Dennis Dixon does not seem to be ready for the number two job, so a bad pre-season may force the team to look at other free agent quarterbacks just in case starter Ben Roethlisberger goes down.

Dan Sepulveda To The Moon - According to reports, Dan Sepulveda has been booming punts in camp. The Steelers sorely need him to stay healthy and help forget what happened with the punting game in 2008. He will be amped up for sure and should blast a few.

Health Of Starters - If you miss the first few possessions, you might miss the starters. Do not look for starters like Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward, Heath Miller, Willie Parker or Casey Hampton to play much if any. Head coach Mike Tomlin has been careful with the vets during camp and easing them into action. Do not be surprised if you do not see some veterans not even on the field. The first game is for the battling players, no need to take chances with any player that has a ding or not fully up to speed yet. It is a victory regardless of the score if no serious injuries are reported after the game to any of the key veterans.

The Steelers offense continued to look good on Tuesday as wide receiver Mike Wallace continues to impress. Head coach Mike Tomlin is upping the practice tempo and working on last minute special team details for Thursday night. Running back Rashard Mendenhall, cornerback Joe Burnett and linebacker Andre Frazier all had a strong day according to reports.

Injury wise, wide receiver Tyler Grisham (undisclosed) is the latest player to miss time due to injury, while wide receiver Brandon Williams (abdominal) returned to practice after missing a few days. Nose tackle Casey Hampton (knee), tight end Dezmond Sherrod (undisclosed) and running back Willie Parker (back) all returned to practice on Tuesday although Parker was limited. Wide receiver Martin Nance (hamstring) and running back Mewelde Moore (hamstring) sat out again on Tuesday as well. Guard Darnell Stapleton (knee) remains out and has been listed as the only player ruled out for the pre-season game versus Arizona on Thursday. Defensive end Aaron Smith, safety Troy Polamalu, linebacker James Harrison and cornerback Deshea Townsend all had veteran days off.

Below are some links to other Tuesday practice reports:

http://pit.scout.com/2/887284.html

http://steelers.dve.com/pages/mikeprisuta.html

http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/2009/08/wallace-impressive.html

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/viewfromthepressbox/show_comments.php?entry_id=4779

The Steelers put on an impressive offensive show on Monday during practice. Wide receiver Dallas Baker, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and quarterback Charlie Batch all had strong showings on Monday.

Injury wise, wide receiver Martin Nance (hamstring), wide receiver Brandon Williams (abdominal), running back Mewelde Moore (hamstring), tight end Dezmond Sherrod (undisclosed), running back Willie Parker (back) and nose tackle Casey Hampton (knee) all sat out on Monday. Center Justin Hartwig (toe) remains limited. Wide receiver Limas Sweed (hamstring) and defensive tackle Scott Paxson (calf) practiced.

Below are the current practice reports from Monday.

http://news.steelers.com/article/107666/

http://steelers.dve.com/pages/mikeprisuta.html

http://pit.scout.com/2/886961.html

The Steelers held their best of 7 goalline drill on Sunday with the defense winning the best of seven battle. Running backs Isaac Redman and Frank Summers finally scored in the final three tries against the backup defense. Injury wise, linebacker LaMarr Woodley (knee) and rookie receiver Mike Wallace (groin) practiced fully on Sunday while running back Willie Parker (back spasms) was held out for the second straight day. Nose tackle Casey Hampton (knee) and wide receiver Limas Sweed (hamstring) both did not finish the Sunday session, but neither injury is believed to be serious. Running back Mewelde Moore (hamstring), wide receiver Brandon Williams (abdominal), defensive tackle Scott Paxson (calf), tight end Dezmond Sherrod (undisclosed) and wide receiver Martin Nance (hamstring) all sat out on Sunday.

Below are links to practice reports from the Sunday session.

http://news.steelers.com/article/107573/

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcnorth/0-3-300/Steelers-practice-notes.html

http://steelers.dve.com/pages/mikeprisuta.html

Saturday was one of the best practices for the offense according to wide receiver Hines Ward. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger seems to have shaken off the arm rust as well. The morning practice was a shortened practice focused on getting some work done with the younger players.

Injury wise, running back Mewelde Moore (hamstring), linebacker LaMarr Woodley (knee), running back Willie Parker (back spasms), defensive end Scott Paxson (calf strain), wide receiver Brandon Williams (abdominal strain) and wide receiver Martin Nance (hamstring) all were sidelined on Saturday. Wide receiver Mike Wallace (groin) and cornerback Keenan Lewis (back) left practice early, but should be fine. Defensive end Ra'Shon Harris returned to practice on Saturday after missing time with a groin injury. Tight ends Heath Miller (sports hernia) and Sean McHugh (knee) returned to full practice participation and center Justin Hartwig (toe) remains limited.

Below are links to the Saturday practice sessions.

http://steelers.dve.com/pages/mikeprisuta.html

http://news.steelers.com/article/107414/

http://pit.scout.com/2/886181.html

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/viewfromthepressbox/show_comments.php?entry_id=4767