Teresa Varley of Steelers.com writes about how defensive end Aaron Smith is starting to get back in the flow of things following rotator cuff surgery last season. Smith is a leader that was surely missed down the stretch on defense along with Troy Polamalu.

Scott Brown writes about the Steelers bringing back linebacker Larry Foote, cornerback Bryant McFadden, Quarterback Byron Leftwich and wide receiver Antwaan Randle El this offseason.

Ed Bouchette wrote about former Steelers linebacker draft pick Bruce Davis and how production at a big-time college means nothing when translating how a kid will do against NFL type competition. Denver claimed Davis off waivers from New England the past week and likely down to his last shot.

Hines Ward's third annual Celebrity Softball Game will take place at Duquesne Field in Green Tree on Wednesday and attendance is open and free. There will be raffles for autographed merchandise that proceeds go to Ward's Helping Hands Foundation.

A company formed by former Steelers great Rocky Bleier was awarded a $13 million federal contract under a program for service-disabled veterans, but a competitor is challenging Bleir's eligibility.

I came across a reprint of the January 14, 1980 Sports Illustrated article by Paul Zimmerman that recapped the controversial 1979 AFC Championship Game between the Steelers and the Houston Oilers. The game was unfairly boiled down to one play late in the 3rd quarter in which Houston receiver Mike Renfro appeared to catch a touchdown but after a brief referee discussion, it was ruled an incomplete pass. You can watch the replay here of the play starting at the 1:26 mark.

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2nd year receiver Mike Wallace joined Vinnie and Cook on 93.7 the Fan for an on air interview to discuss his new role with the Steelers.

On Sunday, Ed Bouchette took a look at the role of fullbacks in Steelers history and shows the position's evolution from runner to blocker.

Eric Knopsnyder of The Tribune Democrat caught up with Steelers broadcaster Bill Hillgrove in Johnstown, PA and got his thoughts on Ben Roethlisberger winning back the team and fans.

Joe Starkey had a rant on Sunday that he has had enough with the Ben Roethlisberger stories. The Sports Illustrated cover piece ought to be it for a while.

Steelers.com has been busy posting the answers to questions to several Steelers in their "Ask The Steelers" segment. Some how I missed when they posted these. Included so far are Byron Leftwich, Jonathan Dwyer, Antwaan Randle El, Emmanuel Sanders, Larry Foote, Jason Worilds, Maurkice Pouncey and Bryant McFadden.

Now that the draft and free agency is behind him, NFL.com senior analyst Pat Kirwan is back for his weekly live chat starting today at Noon ET to discuss the latest moves around the NFL. Kirwan is fantastic to listen to on Sirius radio as well if you get a chance.

The Oakland Raiders released former No. 1 overall draft pick JaMarcus Russell on Thursday after a three-year tenure marked by his high salary and unproductive play on the field. Hard to believe even Al Davis is admitting defeat so soon, but in a non salary cap year, it is a chance to get out from under the future cap charge. NFL.com has Russell as the No. 1 all-time bust.

WTAE-TV reporter, Josh Taylor, tweeted a little known fact yesterday that Jamarcus Russell has the 2nd worst completion percentage of any quarterback drafted 1st overall. Terry Bradshaw has the worst.

Steelers.com is accepting questions for third-round draft pick wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.

Jack McCallum, the author of the Sports Illustrated cover story featuring Ben Roethlisberger joined the Vinnie and Cook show on 93.7 to talk about how the city has turned on their quarterback. Audio is below.

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The NFLPA is threatening to boycott three prominent Indianapolis hotels during the NFL Scouting Combine next year as a show of support to hotel employees. I don't know what to think about that. Seems the NFLPA needs to just stay out of it.

I just did not realize how much footage of the Steelers was on Hulu. Check out the archive of Games of the Week. Goes all the way back to 2002 Browns at Steelers game. Plenty of great viewing on that page.

Sports Illustrated writer, David Epstein, speculates if the head injuries suffered by Ben Roethlisberger over the years may offer any insight into his recent alleged behavior. Carl Prine touched on this as well for the Pittsburgh Tribune last month.

Ben Roethlisberger jersey sales have taken a nose dive in the month of April. Roethlisberger had ranked 11th in the NFL for the year ending March 31st. Broncos rookie quarterback Tim Tebow saw his jersey was at No. 1 for the month of April.

Steeler Nation has been asking how the 49ers got around the 30% rule with the new Patrick Willis contract. Mike Florio explains it here. This could affect how the Steelers look to get a new deal done with LaMarr Woodley as well. Woodley is entering into the final year of his rookie contract.

Speaking of Woodley, the Saginaw High grad will host his third annual youth football camp Saturday, June 12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Saginaw High School in Michigan.

ESPN AFC North blogger James Walker speculated on his blog if the "Steel Curtain" will be back in Pittsburgh in 2010.

Sporting News writer Vinnie Iyer list his five Steelers players that are pivotal in filling the gap left by Ben Roethlisberger in the first 4 games. I am not so sure though that Maurkice Pouncey and Jonathan Dwyer belong on that list. You usually do not see rookie make many contributions other than special teams for the Steelers. I agree with the other 3 though.

The fallout continues for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as he will appear on the cover of the latest edition of Sports Illustrated. The feature article is titled “The Hangover” and details what the magazine calls “the ultimate expression of athletic entitlement run amok.”

Ed Bouchette's ever entertaining and ever educating Steelers chat transcript is up on the Post Gazette as of yesterday afternoon. Ed writes that he doubts an extension gets done with head coach Mike Tomlin this season.

Hines Ward is toting the company line to running the ball more in 2010. Ward believes Ben Roethlisberger's desire and ability to pass influenced some of the strategy to lean unbalanced to the pass in 2009.

John Harris has a brief look at linebackers coach Keith Butler who almost left in January to become the Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator. Butler turned down the offer to remain with the Steelers. Could Butler be the successor to Dick Lebeau one day? Sure looks that way.

The Bengals are close to signing cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones according to reports and also worked out safety Gibril Wilson on Tuesday. Jones would likely be signed to a minimum contract with incentives.

Steelers.com is accepting questions for select Steelers players for their Ask the Steelers segment. This week newly reacquired cornerback Bryant McFadden is the target. Everyone ask him how much it cost him to get #20 back from Keenan Lewis.

A reader alerted me to a Best Pittsburgh Sports Blog Tournament that has started and I am a #8 seed. The last #8 seed mind you. Not sure how that happened as I guess they think this blog is the equivalent of the Mount St. Mary's of the Final Four. If you would like to show them how Cinderella can dance.... VOTE for Steelers Depot here!

Brandon Hunt, who broke into the NFL as an intern in the Steelers player personnel department will replace Doug Whaley as the team’s Pro Scouting Coordinator. Whaley left last week to become the Buffalo Bills Assistant General Manager.

Ed Bouchette is back from the Super Bowl and has posted his latest Steelers chat transcript on the PPG for everyone to mock.

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Mike Florio contributed for the Sporting News and says an uncapped year could be far tamer than ever expected.

Now that the Super Bowl is over, we can pass the time cheering on the Pens. Sports Illustrated has a great feature article up now on Sidney Crosby. Let's Go Pens!

I found a very disturbing video below as Steelers injured long snapper Greg Warren is interviewed at a purse and shoe show! Let's hope his spine knee recovers soon.

Steelers punter Daniel Sepulveda talks about his rehab of his ACL injury and his attitude heading into the 2009 season.

Fox News reporter, Major Garrett, says there's still no movement on Dan Rooney becoming ambassador to Ireland as President Obama has yet to send Rooney's nomination to the Senate for confirmation.

Kicker Jeff Reed sure likes to show up front in center in photos. Here is a photo slide show of the Steelers visit yesterday to the White House.

The Steelers are reportedly talking with the Pennsylvania State Lottery about deals to put the team logo on instant-ticket games. One drawback is that the Eagles logo may be on there as well.

If you like reading about the suffering of Cleveland fans, you will love this Sports Illustrated article. I love the opening sentence: What are two things you will never see in Cleveland? A victory parade and the sky.

Train wreck quarterback, Ryan Leaf, is back in the news as he was indicted on drug and burglary charges in Texas. This guy should be primed for a roster spot with the Bengals.

Former Steelers head coach, Bill Cowher, could have his loyalty tested if the Penguins and Hurricanes both advance to the NHL Conference finals. This will be a good problem to have. Let's Go Pens!

Sports Illustrated recently listed the five best and five worst owners in each of the four major team sports with the Rooney Family being listed number one.

Jim Wexell from Steel City Insider conducted an interview during the recent Steelers minicamp with second-year wide receiver, Limas Sweed.

The ever useless Peter King has ranked the NFL teams, 1-32, after free agency and draft. Although he tries to win over Steeler fans by listing them number 2, he list us after the Patriots.

Former Steeler great, Kevin Greene, is now the Packers outside linebacker coach and helping the Pack phase in 3-4 defense.

If anyone runs into Pitt student, Andrew Ablog, please punch him in the mouth for me. This is what you get when Eagles fans live vicariously through Steeler fans.

I am not too sure what SI writer Peter King is smoking, but to suggest that recently released Jaguar running back Fred Taylor could be a Steeler, it must be some good stuff. With Rashard Mendenhall surely to be recovered from his injury and Mewelde Moore likely to be kept at his bargain price, there is simply no room in Pittsburgh for Taylor. Throw in the fact that starting running back Willie Parker would go bonkers if a veteran like Taylor were to be brought in; this should slam the door on this speculation. Taylor would want too high of a contract and there are plenty of teams around the NFL willing to over pay for his services. King should concentrate more on learning each individual team and there needs and focus less on becoming a Pro Football Talk rumor mongerer.

Santonio Holmes graces the cover of the Super Bowl Sports Illustrated issue. things just keep getting better and better after his game winning Super Bowl catch.

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