The Steelers released 10 players from their preseason roster today in an effort to get down to the NFL’s 53-man limit for the regular season. None of the players released were surprising cuts as TE Eugene Bright, G Dorian Brooks, T Kyle Jolly, WR Brandon London, TE Sean McHugh, DT Scott Paxson, LS Matt Stewart, S Justin Thornton, RB Justin Vincent and LB Renauld Williams were all released. Although no official word yet, reports surfaced that Kraig Urbik was told he would be released and veteran C Justin Hartwig has been given permission to seek a trade or be released. The Steelers must release 11 additional players by 6 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 4).

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The Steelers trimmed down to 75 players on Tuesday morning and now will need to cut 21 more by September 4th. Why 21 and not 22 you ask? This is because quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be moved to the reserve/suspended list, so technically that will not be a cut. I have listed 10 players that will likely be seeing the Turk soon and 16 players who could be considered on the bubble right now in my opinion. None of these are locked in stone mind you and this list is for entertainment purposes only, so no one get your feelings hurt until the cuts are made as ANYTHING can happen in these final days before cut downs have to filed with the league. These are in no particular order either.

Turk Appointments:

LB Renauld Williams - Really has played well in the middle and if injuries happen during the year, I could indeed see Renauld getting a phone call to come back. Would not be surprised if he got a chance elsewhere or he may return to the CFL.

RB Justin Vincent - Justin seems like he has been with us forever. Almost like a yearly Summer intern.

NT Scott Paxson - See Justin Vincent.

TE/FB Sean McHugh - I thought McHugh would challenge David Johnson for the 3rd tight end spot, but the film shows that Johnson is clearly the better of the two.

WR Brandon London - London has bounced around the NFL and the bounce will continue. He is a male model, so perhaps GQ is better suited for him.

T Kyle Jolly - Undrafted free agent who only received a handful of snaps in preseason. Might a practice squad candidate.

TE Eugene Bright - Another tight end body that would look good on the practice squad. Bright is not afraid to to the dirty blocking work.

G/C Dorian Brooks - Converted defensive lineman that has begun center training and could be headed to the practice squad and will be helped if Justin Hartwig and Kraig Urbik are indeed released.

S Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith - He made a nice hit in the Detroit preseason game causing a fumble in the redzone. Other than that, he has been very quiet. Could be another one headed to the practice squad.

S Justin Thornton - Merely a camp body and has an outside shot at a practice squad spot.

Bubble Boys

LDE Doug Worthington - Late round draft pick that appears closer to the practice squad than the active roster. He has been in the last rotation at left defensive end.

G/C Kraig Urbik - Urbik is likely the 54th or 55th player right now. He has made progress this preseason, but it may be too late. If veteran Justin Hartwig is cut, it really improves his chances. This could go either way and he could be battling Ramon Foster as well.

ILB Stevenson Sylvester - It will be surprising if he does not make it, but I am not willing to list him as a lock. Good athlete and very smart.

RB/FB Frank Summers - Under performed since being drafted. If he makes it, I hope he is renting in Pittsburgh and not buying.

LS Matt Stewart - He can get down field better than Greg Warren, but the snaps need to be right first. His inconsistency, might be his down fall despite having two good knees.

DB Anthony Madison - Has been playing all over in the secondary at every position again and is a special teams warrior. If he makes it, it is because of his special teams resume.

OLB Patrick Bailey - Bailey has stuck all this time because of his special teams play. His play at outside linebacker has not improved and the Steelers have numbers now on special teams and both outside linebacking spots.

KR Stefan Logan - If he makes it, it is because the Steelers do not trust rookie Antonio Brown to do the job. It is that simple. If cut, Logan will surface elsewhere as a kick returner.

WR Arnaz Battle - The rookie wide receivers took a step back against the Broncos and that helps Arnaz. He and Tyler Grisham are likely battling each other as well. I think he is just inside the bubble, but his face is pressed against it.

CB Joe Burnett - Joe really has not gotten that many snaps in preseason and that is worrisome. He really has been used as a back up nickel back and seems to fallen from grace. Rookie Crezdon Butler has more position flexibility and is one week away perhaps from bumping the 2009 draft pick.

CB Crezdon Butler - Great closing speed and great hands. Closing in on the 53rd spot very quickly. Butler will get a long look against Carolina. If he does not make the cut, he may not clear waivers to the practice squad.

RB Jonathan Dwyer - The jury is still out. Was Sunday night against Denver enough? Still struggles in important areas other than carrying the ball. He really is better suited for an early practice squad spot. It will be close with him for sure and I will not be surprised either way it goes with him.

G/T Ramon Foster - Hard to believe he is on my list, but I would not bet my house on him being a lock. He is more inside the bubble than outside and has the hand up on Urbik. I hate to put him on the list, but it is, what it is. Should make it.

RDE Ra'Shon Sunny Harris - Sunny has gotten his ass kicked by old man Nick Eason this offseason and has been working behind Eason as the 3rd right defensive end. I do not like his chances right now.

C Justin Hartwig - Passed by rookie Maurkice Pouncey on the depth chart and despite playing guard 25 years ago, is not as flexible as Doug Legursky. The Steelers are likely dangling him as trade bait, but his contract is not appealing and teams know he will likely be cut.

WR Tyler Grisham - All he does is continue to make coaches have a tough time cutting him. He would look great on the practice squad again, but could be a 53rd player on many teams roster. Battling Arnaz Battle and is not as good on special teams. It will be close with him.

DT Steve McLendon - Really the only decision with Steve is if he gets cut or gets put on injured reserve. He has missed almost all of camp with a knee injury.

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I received an email asking me to post the cumulative pass target stats through the Steelers first two preseason games of 2010. I got these together in a hurry, so here they are for those that value them. You can see that rookie Antonio Brown leads the way with 5 catches of 5 targets thus far for 96 yards and 1 touchdown.

Player	TARG	REC	YDS	AVG	LG	TD
Antonio Brown	5	5	96	19.2	68	1
Emmanuel Sanders	5	4	56	14.0	24	0
Mike Wallace	5	3	91	30.3	68	1
Antwaan Randle El	5	3	37	12.3	17	0
Heath Miller	4	4	37	9.3	13	0
Arnaz Battle	3	2	62	31.0	51	0
Isaac Redman	2	2	17	8.5	13	0
Rashard Mendenhall	2	1	8	8.0	8	0
Tyler Grisham	2	1	4	4.0	4	0
Matt Spaeth	1	1	18	18.0	18	0
Justin Vincent	1	1	8	8.0	8	0
Frank Summers	1	1	6	6.0	6	0
Jonathan Dwyer	1	1	-6	-6.0	-6	0
Hines Ward	1	0	0	0.0	0	0
Mewelde Moore	1	0	0	0.0	0	0
Sean McHugh	1	0	0	0.0	0	0
Total	40	29	434	15.0	68	2

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Ok, we are now half way through preseason games and training camp has officially broken. We have had quite a bit of game footage and information to digest and I am ready to revamp my 53 man roster prediction as the Steelers head into week 3 of the preseason against the Denver Broncos. Below are the changes and the reasoning for the add and drops.

There is no need to keep Justin Hartwig now. I wrote about this way back on July 1st that he was not a lock and it looks like it is coming to fruition. Maurkice Pouncey is ready and Doug Legursky can back him up. Sure, Hartwig played guard before, but has not done it in years. The future is now and he would be just be an expensive backup. I have added right tackle Jonathan Scott back to the 53 man roster, not that he is playing at a Pro Bowl level, but the Steelers need bodies at tackle. I have left Flozell Adams for now, but his preseason game footage has been under the bar. Way under the bar. It would not surprise me to see him cut unless serious improvement is made. The Steelers did not shell out 2.5 million this season so he can be the backup right tackle. If Chris Scott can heal fast, he might be ready for a look by week 6 if he starts on the PUP list. Crezdon Butler has not shown me enough to make the 53 man roster and should be able to be slid to the practice squad. I replaced him with defensive back Anthony Madison because he can play corner and some safety in a pinch and he remains a special teams monster. No way Jonathan Dwyer makes this roster now. His spot goes to Antonio Brown, as Brown may even have a shot to take over for Stefan Logan. I think the Steelers can now keep 6 wide receivers as well. After long consideration, I am dumping Charlie Batch. He will not get signed by another team and the Steelers have enough emergency players like Hines Ward or Antwaan Randle El to finish out a game if needed to. Batch will always be a phone call away. I was wrong about David Johnson as he has improved greatly and will make Sean McHugh very expendable. I think Nick Eason is actually playing better this preseason and is in better shape as well. I added him back to the 53. Rookie Stevenson Sylvester is having a great camp and preseason and I see no reason why he can't make the team now. Kraig Urbik I fear is out the door as well.

You will once again notice a 54 man roster below as Big Ben will start on the reserve suspended list and will not count as a roster spot. Do not get caught up in the order below as it is not a depth chart, just how I pieced them together.

2010 Steelers 53 Man Roster Prediction

Legursky, Doug	C/G
Pouncey, Maurkice	G/C
Essex, Trai	G
Kemoeatu, Chris	G
Scott, Jonathan	G
Hills, Tony	T
Adams, Flozell	T
Foster, Ramon	T
Starks, Max	T
Burnett, Joe	CB
Gay, William	CB
Lewis, Keenan	CB
McFadden, Bryant	CB
Taylor, Ike	CB
Madison, Anthony	DB
Allen, Will	S
Polamalu, Troy	SS
Clark, Ryan	FS
Mundy, Ryan	FS
Hampton, Casey	NT
Hoke, Chris	NT
Eason, Nick	DE
Harris, Ra'Shon	DE
Hood, Ziggy	DE
Keisel, Brett	DE
Smith, Aaron	DE
Foote, Larry	ILB
Timmons, Lawrence	ILB
Farrior, James	ILB
Fox, Keyaron	ILB
Sylvester, Stevenson	ILB
Gibson, Thaddeus	OLB
Harrison, James	OLB
Woodley, LaMarr	OLB
Worilds, Jason	OLB
Dixon, Dennis	QB
Leftwich, Byron	QB
Roethlisberger, Ben	QB
Mendenhall, Rashard	RB
Moore, Mewelde	RB
Redman, Isaac	RB
Summers, Frank	FB
Johnson, David	TE
Miller, Heath	TE
Spaeth, Matt	TE
Battle, Arnaz	WR
Brown, Antonio	WR
Randle El, Antwaan	WR
Sanders, Emmanuel	WR
Wallace, Mike	WR
Ward, Hines	WR
Warren, Greg	LS
Sepulveda, Dan	P
Reed, Jeff	K

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Saturday the Steelers will host the Detroit Lions to Heinz Field for the first preseason game of the 2010 season. We have listed below 10 things to look for Saturday heading into the game.

Robo Kickoff Guy? - Daniel Sepulveda was allowed to kickoff last Friday under the lights and reportedly Mike Tomlin was happy with what he saw. Preseason is the perfect time to have a live game battle between Jeff Reed and Sepulveda for the rights to kickoff this year. I hope Robo punter gets a chance to become Robo kickoff specialist. Tomlin said it depends on how many kickoffs they get so hope for a ton of Steelers scoring.

Special Ed Kick Coverages - We look forward to seeing all phases of special teams on Saturday as out is Bob Ligashesky and in is Al Everest as special teams coach. Look for free agent signees Arnaz Battle and Will Allen to be head hunting on coverage teams along with a mix and match of draft picks and undrafted free agents as well. I expect some good tackling out of this bunch. Isaac Redman and Keenan Lewis are others to watch on teams.

Dwyer Caught Up? - Sixth round pick Jonathan Dwyer missed precious camp time early on with hamstring injuries. He has returned to work this past week and by all accounts is turning the corner. He will likely get a ton of work on Saturday and I will be looking for little things like his pad level and blocking in addition to his running ability. I am really rooting for this kid to stick out in this game.

See Troy Run! - I have good sources that Troy Polamalu will indeed play a series or two against Detroit. I have mixed feelings about this and was hoping he would wait until the second game of preseason to get on the field, just so it would give him one more week. Regardless, it will be good to see him running around and testing the knee. I do not need to see splash plays, I just hope he gets his limited work in and gets out by the end of the first quarter. Everyone say your prayers.

Center Of Attention - I want to see Justin Hartwig fight Doug Legursky and the rookie Maurkice Pouncey for his job. Hartwig is coming off of torn labrum surgery in the offseason and might not even play much Saturday. Regardless, if Legursky and Pouncey are the only one's in the ring Saturday night, it is still a fight and any split decision will go to the veteran Hartwig. Ndamukong Suh could see time over whoever plays center so that will be fun to watch as well. This could free a huge roster spot, should the Big Legursky or the rookie knock off the reigning starter in an unanimous decision. Pouncey will also play some guard and I suspect Legursky will as well at some point in the game. When I go back over the tape, I will be focused on the center spot the first time through.

Sanders/Brown Unseat Human Pinball? - Sure I will be watching rookie wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown play at the wide receiver position, but I really want to see what either can bring to the return game. Incumbent Stefan Logan is one dimensional and holding another valuable 53 man roster spot. I hope all 3 get shots returning both kickoffs and punts. As it is slated right now Brown will only return punts, Sanders only kickoff returns this week and Logan will likely get to do both.

Urbik & Hills Milk Carton Watch - Not much has been reported on 2009 3rd round draft pick Kraig Urbik other than he has been getting some snaps at center with the 3rd and 4th teams. We were hoping to hear a little better second year progress report. 2008 fourth round draft pick Tony Hills has been getting schooled in practice by the young guys and is now nursing an ankle sprain. There is a chance Hills will not even play as well. Both these guys are on the milk carton and hopefully they show up on Saturday night. If not, they could be just future answers to Steelers trivia questions. Both might get some reps against the Lions top pick Ndamukong Suh so they better be on their toes.

Fullback Watch 2010 - Let's see it Bruce. Isaac Redman, David Johnson, Frank Summers, Sean McHugh, Dwayne Wright, Doug Legursky? Can any of these guys keep their shoulders low enough for approval? Is this another Arians Summer mirage or does Bigfoot really exist? We will be watching closely.

Ziggy Hood 2.0 - Evander Ziggy Hood has arrived by all reports and is the talk of training camp. We will be watching his snap count and where all he lines up on Saturday. The 2.0 version of Ziggy Hood will be on full display Saturday night and we can not wait to see it. Watch out, Matthew Stafford.

Ben Fitting In? - We mean two different ways by using the words "fitting in" in relation to Ben Roethlisberger. Will he play first team or second team in the first preseason game and how will he be received by the fans at Heinz Field? How much work can you really give a quarterback that is ensured to miss at least the first 4 games of the season? What if he is ineffective or throws a pick, will he be booed? Will he fit in with the team and be his joking self before the game? Over reaction? Sure it is. We think it will turn out just fine, but it needs to be asked and answered just the same.

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When the Steelers report to Latrobe on tomorrow, so will begin several training camp battles that we will be keeping a close eye on. We have narrowed them down to six to match the six championships the Steelers have. They are as follows.

1. Quarterback - Byron Leftwich vs. Dennis Dixon - Mike Tomlin has let veteran Byron Leftwich receive most of the first team snaps since his re-acquisition from Tampa Bay. The Steelers will need a starter for at least 4 games with franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suspended to start the season and Leftwich looks to be the guy unless Dennis Dixon can force the Steelers hand with a strong camp. Dixon is also in his final year of his contract, so the motivation is definitely there to prove himself. Most of the Steeler Nation blogs and media would have you believe that Dixon should start, but none have good reasons why. Dixon has all of one start under his belt combined with several mediocre pre seasons games. Dixon also has admitted his leadership skills are not up to standards as well. Leftwich is what he is and that is a quarterback that has had some moderate successes in the NFL. Does this secure the job for him? Absolutely not as Leftwich could still lose the job and fall flat on his face. Dixon will have to show right out of the gate that he is the man that should lead the Steelers. Make no mistake that this is a battle, but a battle that could be over after week one of the pre season. Dixon does not have time on his side and must make good use of each and every snap to overtake the veteran Leftwich. My money is on Leftwich.

2. Right Tackle - Trai Essex vs. Jonathan Scott vs. Ramon Foster - The Achilles injury to Willie Colon opened up a huge hole on the right side of the Steelers offensive line. The only good thing is it happened early enough in the offseason so the Steelers could have a enough time to figure out a solution. Also in their favor has been the rapid development of rookie first round draft pick, Maurkice Pouncey, who was on course to beat out Trai Essex for the starting right guard spot. That now frees up Essex to see if he can win the right tackle spot instead and he will compete against free agent Jonathan Scott and second year undrafted free agent Ramon Foster. Scott played under new line coach Sean Kugler at Buffalo last year and Foster played mostly at left guard in 2009 when Chris Kemoeatu was out injured. There could even be another horse or two added to this battle should the Steelers decide to sign another street free agent, but as it appears right now, the Steelers want one of these three guys to win the job. If I were to handicap this battle, I give the advantage to Essex as to me his play and foot work seem better suited for tackle than guard plus he has games played under his belt on the right side. Scott and Foster could very well both stick on the roster as reserves and it would not be surprising to see either win the right tackle spot out right.

Update: The Steelers signed free agent tackle Flozell Adams a few hours after posting this. This now becomes a battle above for the backup right side swing spot as now either Adams or Max Starks wil play right tackle for sure. Scott is now on the roster bubble for sure with this move and Foster will likely compete for a right side back up roll.

3. Nickel Cornerback - William Gay vs. Joe Burnett vs. Keenan Lewis - Most want you to believe that the starting left cornerback job is up for grabs. That is just not true. The Steelers traded back for Bryant McFadden on draft day because of the play of William Gay in 2009. To think McFadden will not be the week one starting left corner is ludicrous. The Steelers drafted two cornerbacks in 2009 in the form of Joe Burnett and Keenan Lewis. Burnett struggled as a rookie, while Lewis was never fully healthy with back problems. Veteran Deshea Townsend is now gone so it leaves Gay, Burnett and Lewis all to battle for the nickel corner spot. Gay has the inside track after playing the role almost exclusively through the 2008 championship season. Burnett started to show glimpses late in the 2009 season and will get his shot at the job. Lewis is more of a dark horse here as he truly is better merely as a left corner and just doesn't have the time in at the position. Watch this battle closely as it could get interesting. Right now I like Gay to rebound and win the job, but nothing with him is guaranteed.

4. Backup Running Back - Isaac Redman vs. Jonathan Dwyer - Nobody caused more stir in 2009 than undrafted free agent running back Isaac Redman. By the end of training camp last year, Steeler Nation had him penciled in as the next Jerome Bettis. Redman proved he can run in short yardage situations, but was slow to get up to speed on the things fans do not see. Redman bounced around to the active roster and practice squad and now will get a chance to compete against rookie six round draft pick Jonathan Dwyer. Although technically you could say Mewelde Moore is the backup running back to Rashard Mendenhall, we all know that Moore is not an every down back. He is a role player gifted in 3rd down sets and an established pass catcher. Should Mendenhall go down, the Steelers will need either Redman or Dwyer to step up to a more prominent 1st and 2nd down ball carrier role. Dwyer is handicapped by the type offense he played in college, where he was a fullback in Georgia Tech's triple-option offense. Both Redman and Dwyer are straight ahead runners and both are known to move piles in short yardage situations. Redman has the upper hand going into camp, primarily because of having a year in the offense already and improving on his blitz pickups. Dwyer should not be counted out though as this battle will have those in attendance at Latrobe high fiving for both players. I think both can make the roster, regardless of who runs 2nd or 3rd.

5. Reserve Tight End H-Back Fullback - Sean McHugh vs. David Johnson - It might not look much on paper, but this could be the 52nd or 53rd man on the 53 man roster. McHugh had 2009 end early in pre season with a knee problem. His injury allowed 2009 seventh round pick, David Johnson to make the roster. Johnson was not spectacular in the H-back role and merely average in the other phases of tight end play. His special teams play though was above average, but the overall play of the Steelers 2009 special teams unit was dismal as most remember. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians looks to use the fullback and or h-back more in the offense this year. Frank Summers is looking to secure a true fullback role, while McHugh and Johnson will battle for the H-back and 3rd tight end spot on the roster. Neither will be confused for Dan Kreider, but these two players will be out to crack skulls and adjust shoulder pads in camp. While neither is guaranteed a roster spot regardless of their battle, it will intensify training camp and make practices more physical. I think McHugh, if healthy, can win this battle and a spot on the roster. He is just plain better at this role than Johnson is in my opinion.

6. Return Men - Stefan Logan vs. Emmanuel Sanders vs. Antonio Brown vs. Joe Burnett vs. Antwaan Randle El vs. Mewelde Moore vs. Mike Wallace - If the Steelers were allowed to keep 54 men on the roster, this might make things a little easier. The roster limit remains at 53 and last years return specialist Stefan Logan owns a valuable roster spot. The smallish pinball type player only has one shot at making the 2010 roster once again at that is by standing head and shoulders above the completion in both kickoff and punt returns. New to the battle this year are rookie draft pick wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown. Both are accomplished return men in college with Brown being the better all around return man of the two. Sanders is almost certain to make the 53 man roster as the 4th or 5th receiver based on early reports. Brown is not a lock right now. Throw in cornerback Joe Burnett, who failed miserable in the 2009 pre season as a return man, the aging Antwaan Randle El and Mewelde Moore to keep everyone honest and you just do not have a ton of reps to go around to find the right guy. Let us not forget speedster Mike Wallace in this talk either although he will have enough on his plate adjusting to the number two receiving role with Santonio Holmes now gone. You still have to think he is an out lying option though. The real battle I believe will be between Logan and Sanders for the kick returning job. If Sanders can challenge Logan in output there, I think the punt return duties could be his as well. Logan needs to make himself uncut-able once again and that means he needs some big returns in the pre season. I think his one year flash is over as the Steelers need the roster spot very bad. Let us hope there are tons of opportunities to around in the pre season games. May the best hands and feet win.

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Ok, the mini camps and OTA's are now over and we are just 8 days away from training camp opening in Latrobe for the Steelers. On April 24th, I took my first offseason guess at the 53 man roster and quite a bit has changed over 3 months. Willie Colon is out for the year and draft pick Chris Scott looks to miss much of if not all of camp with a foot injury. I replaced them with Jonathan Scott and Tony Hills respectively and added Doug Legursky as it is evident Maurkice Pouncey is destined to work at guard initially. Nick Eason was scratched to make room for Crezdon Butler, who I now think will make the roster and force the Steelers to carry 10 defensive backs. The Steelers will likely carry 2 defensive lineman on the practice squad and Eason is the odd man out here. I scratched rookie wide receiver Antonio Brown as I now feel he ends up on the practice squad and swapped Sean McHugh for David Johnson at TE/HB. I feel a healthy McHugh is a much better option. What a perfect time to throw out our best prediction of what the 53 man roster will look like. You will once again notice a 54 man roster below as Big Ben will start on the reserve suspended list and will not count as a roster spot. That means I have 54 on this list. Barring any more injuries or any other unforeseen circumstances, here is my pre-training camp guess at the final 53 man roster below. Do not get caught up in the order below as it is not a depth chart, just how I pieced them together. It will be fun to look back after final cuts to see exactly how close I came and what spurred any differences to my list. wish me luck.

UPDATE: Edited on July 29th to reflect the signing of Flozell Adams. I replaced Jonathan Scott with Adams as Scott is likely the odd man out with this move.

2010 Steelers 53 Man Roster Prediction

Hartwig, Justin	C
Legursky, Doug	C/G
Pouncey, Maurkice	G/C
Essex, Trai	G
Kemoeatu, Chris	G
Urbik, Kraig	G
Hills, Tony	T
Adams, Flozell	T
Foster, Ramon	T
Starks, Max	T
Burnett, Joe	CB
Butler, Crezdon	CB
Gay, William	CB
Lewis, Keenan	CB
McFadden, Bryant	CB
Taylor, Ike	CB
Allen, Will	S
Polamalu, Troy	SS
Clark, Ryan	FS
Mundy, Ryan	FS
Hampton, Casey	NT
Hoke, Chris	NT
Harris, Ra'Shon	DE
Hood, Ziggy	DE
Keisel, Brett	DE
Smith, Aaron	DE
Foote, Larry	ILB
Timmons, Lawrence	ILB
Farrior, James	ILB
Fox, Keyaron	ILB
Gibson, Thaddeus	OLB
Harrison, James	OLB
Woodley, LaMarr	OLB
Worilds, Jason	OLB
Batch, Charlie	QB
Dixon, Dennis	QB
Leftwich, Byron	QB
Roethlisberger, Ben	QB
Dwyer, Jonathan	RB
Mendenhall, Rashard	RB
Moore, Mewelde	RB
Redman, Isaac	RB
Summers, Frank	FB
McHugh, Sean	TE
Miller, Heath	TE
Spaeth, Matt	TE
Battle, Arnaz	WR
Randle El, Antwaan	WR
Sanders, Emmanuel	WR
Wallace, Mike	WR
Ward, Hines	WR
Warren, Greg	LS
Sepulveda, Dan	P
Reed, Jeff	K

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The countdown to Latrobe is now just 3 weeks and we will now continue our Steelers training camp preview by looking at the tight end/h-back position for Pittsburgh as the head into camp in 2010.

Training Camp Preview – Defensive Line |Training Camp Preview – Safeties |Training Camp Preview – Linebackers | Training Camp Preview – Offensive Line | Training Camp Preview – Tight Ends | Training Camp Preview – Wide Receivers | Training Camp Preview – Running Backs | Training Camp Preview – Quarterbacks

Overview: The Steelers look to return to more of a run first offense in 2010 and it will go a long way in determining the who and what the Steelers need from the position this year. If the onus is put more on a true fullback type player, it could signal the Steelers need to only keep 2 tight ends on the 53 man roster. The tight end, fullback and h-back looks in the pre-season will indeed be fun to watch as it will help shed more light on what the Steelers will try to do more offensively, especially early on in the season with the absence of Ben Roethlisberger.

Heath Miller: If ever there were a Rodney Dangerfield nickname on the Steelers, it would likely be given to tight end Heath Miller. Miller just does not get the respect as a top tight end around the league as he should. Since being drafted by the Steelers with their first round draft pick in 2005, the former Virginia Cavalier has not disappointed. In 2009 he posted career highs in receiving yards (789), and receptions (76) and his six touchdown catches matched his second highest total set back during his rookie season. All these numbers came after he was rewarded with an extension last offseason. While he excels in the pass game, he also has become an accomplished blocker and might see his numbers dip a tad in 2010 as the Steelers return to a more run first offense. On the flip side, he could get more targets with the absence of Santonio Holmes. Miller for the most part is the picture of good health and a complete team player. While not respected league wide, he does not lack anonymity amongst Steeler Nation. He is truly a joy to watch play and should be headed to Hawaii again at seasons end and hopefully celebrating another World Championship as well.

Matt Spaeth: Matt Spaeth entered the offseason as a restricted free agent and the Steelers decided to tender him a one year deal at the minimum amount possible. Since being drafted in the third round of the 2007 draft, Spaeth hasn't quite developed as the Steelers had hoped. He by no means is on Heath Miller's level as a blocker and struggles at times in the passing game as well. He will enter training camp as the backup to Miller, but is not a lock to make the roster, especially if any of the other tight ends or H-backs on the roster can prove their worth in the passing game as nearly all are better blockers. He does contribute some on special teams, but should not be considered a roster lock. His replacement might not even be on the roster right now as the Steelers will certainly watch the final cut-downs prior to the season to improve the number 2 spot should none of the other ends excel in camp or pre-season.

Sean McHugh: If ever there was a threat to Spaeth, it comes from the likes of Sean McHugh. McHugh spent 2009 on injured reserve, after needing arthroscopic knee surgery for a training camp injury. He is a much more accomplished blocker than Spaeth is and has shown he has hands as well. He may be better suited as a true H-back once again as the Steelers look to return more to the running game in 2010. He could solve depth issues at, tight end and fullback, as well as being a special teams player. Everything depends on how he looks early on in camp health wise. If indeed back to his pre-injury self, McHugh will be a hard body to cut. Watch him closely in pre-season and especially where he lines up at.

David Johnson: DJ struggled as a rookie in 2009 and most of his highlights came on special teams. According to reports, he has not had a great Spring and Summer during mini-camps and OTA sessions thus far in 2010. He is a blocking tight end/H-back/fullback type player and likely made the 2009 roster because of the knee injury suffered by McHugh. He will need to make himself un-cutable by improving immensely this upcoming camp as he sites squarely ion the bubble with 3 weeks to go until training camp.

Eugene Bright: Bright was signed to the Steelers practice squad on November 2, 2009 and ended the season there. He is a converted defensive end and mostly regarded as a blocking tight end. He will be hard pressed to be considered anything more than a camp body at this point and likely will be an early cut after week 2 of pre-season.

Likely Training Camp Depth Chart:
TE1 Heath Miller
TE2 Matt Spaeth
TE3 Sean McHugh
TE4 David Johnson
TE5 Eugene Bright

Summation: Outside of the Pro Bowler Miller, the tight end position from a pass catching point of view has zero depth. If indeed Miller were to miss anytime, the Steelers would likely try to scavenge the available free agents in hopes a pass catcher were available. From a blocking standpoint, it is average with once again Miller leading the way. Depending on how Bruce Arians uses a fullback this year, will go a long way to determining who stays and who goes. McHugh has had the best success is seasons past lining up in the fullback position, but will never be confused with former Steeler fullback Dan Krieder. All that said, I like McHugh’s chances of sticking if he is healthy. Even without an injury to Miller, the Steelers will indeed be watching the final cut-downs around the league prior to week 1 in hopes of finding an upgrade. No player on the tight end depth chart behind Miller should be considered a roster lock at this point and time.

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The Steelers continued on in their OTA session on Wednesday and head coach Mike Tomlin met the media to answer a few questions. You can listen to the audio below from the PPG. Scott Brown has the transcript as well.

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Wide receiver Hines Ward and center Justin Hartwig have been limited during offseason practices thus far, but Tomlin addressed the Hartwig situation when asked on Wednesday. He is still recovering from the shoulder surgery he had in the offseason and Tomlin sees no reason to rush him back. He reportedly be ready come the start of training camp.

Running back coach Kirby Wilson said on Wednesday that Frank Summers has been working primarily at fullback this offseason. If Frank the Tank is to win a roster spot, then it seems he will need to do so at that position, meaning that the Steelers could indeed carry one less tight end on the active roster come week 1. David Johnson and Sean McHugh may both be on the outside looking in right now or on the bubble at best.

Rookie cornerback Crezdon Butler has made an impression on secondary coach Ray Horton. "(No.) 40 is rising," Horton said of Butler, a 6-1, 190-pounder drafted in the fifth round. "I know I'm talking about a rookie, but it looks like he's going to make our team better." This is great news from a late round round pick, especially being he is a cornerback as well. Butler's name shows up quite a bit in practice reports for good things. He will be one to watch for sure at Latrobe.

Speaking of running backs, Mewelde Moore sat down with 93.7 The Fan Jon Burton at Tuesday’s OTAs and weighed in on Ben’s return. He also tells us where he fits in the Steelers’ crowded backfield, and previews what new tricks the offense could have up their sleeves this fall.

Kara Henderson has a full video report for NFL.com and the NFL Network. The segment revolves around on how the Steelers are handling first-team reps at quarterback. Warren Sapp and Rod Woodson give their 2 cents late in the segment as well.

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Steelers guard Trai Essex, center Justin Hartwig and h-back Sean McHugh dropped in to visit patients who were getting treatment at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. It is so good to read about stories like this.

Defensive end Aaron Smith is ready for the upcoming season as he has rehabbed from major shoulder injury and ready to fool everyone in 2010 at the age of 34. Smith's son Elijah has also made remarkable progress recovering from cancer and all signs point to him making a full recovery. I can't wait to see Smith back on the field.

Scott Brown blogged about defensive line coach John Mitchell and the age of the defensive line. Mitchell states that Ziggy Hood is coming along fine in his development and that he will be ready to start sooner rather than later should the Steelers need him.

AP sports writer Alan Robinson has a story claiming Ben Roethlisberger has worn out his welcome in Pittsburgh. I think the story is a bit over the top myself and do not think the fan base is so one sided as Robinson suggest in the article.

NFL.com has the complete 2010 NFL preseason national TV schedule posted on the website. NFL.com Analyst Bucky Brooks looks at five teams that face pivotal decisions surrounding quarterbacks in the 2010 season. The Steelers of course being one of the five.

Dale Lolley blogged about how the drug suspension of Texans linebacker Brian Cushing could have an effect on linebackers LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison moving forward.