Now that we have confirmed the Al Woods practice squad signing, I have done a little research on him and compiled a few nuggets and video on him.

First you can read New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton comments on the release of Woods.

The Saints traded with the Cardinals and moved up to take the former LSU standout defensive tackle in the 2010 draft by trading their pick in the fourth round and their sixth-round pick.

You can read his Saints bio right here while it is still up. Make sure to hit the MORE button to expand it.

You can see his NFL combine highlights right here.

Here is his draft profile on CBS Sportsline.

In my limited reading up on Woods, it seems that he was drafted way too high by the Saints and a reach of sorts. He is young with no real technique and seems to have gotten by on merely his size to this point. I think the Steelers see him as a project right now and have nothing to lose by working with him on the practice squad until the end of the season. The Steelers need to start thinking about an heir to Casey Hampton at nose tackle in a few years and do not have much invested in him to see if he could be the answer as a backup next year. I would not expect to see Woods on the active roster this year unless several injuries happen. I will be watching the Saints preseason games tonight to see if anything jumps out on me on Woods, but the Saints clearly did not have the patience to even sign him to their own practice squad. I would not hold my breath on him, but am also not ready to rule him out as being the future at nose tackle if defensive line coach John Mitchell thinks he might have some clay to mold and work with. The Steelers may also try to convert him to a defensive end as well from nose tackle. No real risk here in signing him as the Steelers only dumped their 7th round pick in Doug Worthington who was not very impressive in the preseason. This might be a sign that Steve McLendon is healthy and could be another future candidate inside on the line.

UPDATE: The Steelers list Al Woods as a defensive end so it seems the Steelers might try to spend time converting him to a 3-4 end.

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A league source reports that the Steelers have signed former New Orleans Saints fourth-round defensive tackle Al Woods to their practice squad. It is unclear who was released from the practice squad if indeed Woods was signed today. Either Steve McLendon or Doug Worthington are the likeliest candidates as they both play defensive line. McLendon makes even more sense as he may still be slowed by the knee injury he suffered early on in camp, plus Worthington was a draft pick you would not think the Steelers would be willing to give up on just yet. We will get to the bottom of this soon as we are trying to confirm the report. UPDATE: Ed Bouchette is reporting that it has indeed happened and that Worthington was released.

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PPG beat writer Ed Bouchette takes a shot at the terms of the Ben Roethlisberger suspension, calling it counter productive because he is being forced to stay away from the team. We agree, he needs his teammates now.

The Steelers announced the 8 man practice squad this morning and there were no new surprises really. It is good to see that Steve McLendon is back healthy.

Three of the players the Steelers cut on Saturday were claimed by other teams off of waivers Sunday as the Buffalo Bills signed guard Kraig Urbik off of waivers, the Detroit Lions claimed returner Stefan Logan and the Tennessee Titans signed linebacker Patrick Bailey.

In case you did not know, the Redskins released running back Willie Parker as expected on Saturday. I expect Parker to surface perhaps in Denver.

Bob Labriola of Steelers Digest takes an expanded look at the 53 man roster after the Saturday cuts were announced.

New York Jets holdout cornerback Darrelle Revis agreed in principle Sunday night to a four-year, $46 million contract that includes $32 million in various guarantees according to sources. There goes all that Hard Knocks money that Woody Johnson earned.

The Steelers finalized their practice squad on Sunday and it includes many familiar faces as expected. The players added to the Steelers practice squad include: TE Eugene Bright, OG Dorian Brooks, S Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith, WR Tyler Grisham, OT Kyle Jolly, DT Steve McLendon, FB Frank Summers and DE Doug Worthington. All 8 players were on the Steelers training camp roster this year. The have also elected their team captains by naming Hines Ward and Heath Miller offensive captains; James Farrior defensive captain and Keyaron Fox the special teams captain.

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The Steelers reached their 53 man roster limit today when they released 11 players and placed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the reserve/suspended list. The following released were: LB Patrick Bailey, CB Joe Burnett, S Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith, WR Tyler Grisham, DE Sunny Harris, C Justin Hartwig, WR Stefan Logan, DT Steve McLendon, FB Frank Summers, OG Kraig Urbik and DT Doug Worthington. The Steelers will now look to put together their 8 man practice squad after players clear waivers. Players released over the last two days that are eligible for 2010 Practice squad are  Worthington, Urbik, Summers, Harris, McLendon, Grisham, Eugene Bright, Dorian Brooks, Kyle Jolly, Justin Thornton and Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith. That 8 man squad that could include a few players not on the preseason roster, should be announced some time on Sunday.

In a related note, we are pleased to announce that we nailed the 53 man roster in our final projection of the preseason. It goes to show watching ever play of preseason 8 times is worth something.

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Steelers right outside linebacker James Harrison, inside linebacker James Farrior and wide receiver Antwaan Randle El are not in uniform and won’t play against the Carolina Panthers tonight. Lawrence Timmons will start in place of Harrison and the starting inside linebackers will be Keyaron Fox and Larry Foote. Also sitting out tonight is left cornerback Bryant McFadden, defensive tackle Steve McLendon and tackle Chris Scott who is on the reserve PUP list.

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A reader emailed me this afternoon and wanted to know of the 75 players on the active roster, which ones are eligible to be signed to the practice squad and what constitutes eligibility. First we go to the NFL rules on this:

What makes a player eligible for an NFL practice squad?

(a) The practice squad shall consist of the following players, provided that they have not served more than two previous seasons on a Practice Squad: (i) players who do not have an Accrued Season of NFL experience; and (ii) free agent players who were on the Active List for fewer than nine regular season games during their only Accrued Season(s). An otherwise eligible player may be a practice squad player for a third season only if the Club by which he is employed that season has at least 53 players on its Active/Inactive List
during the entire period of his employment.

(b) A player shall be deemed to have served on a Practice Squad in a season if he has passed the club’s physical and been a member of the club’s Practice Squad for at least three regular season or postseason games during his first two Practice Squad seasons, and for at least one regular season or postseason game during his third Practice Squad season. (A bye week counts as a game provided that the player is not terminated until after the regular season or postseason weekend in question.)

Going by the rules above the Steelers have 22 players that qualify to be signed to the practice squad. This off course includes all (10) 2010 draft picks and the (4) undrafted free agents still on the roster. Also still eligible are (4) of the 2009 draft picks and (4) other 2009 undrafted free agents still on the roster. Rookie Chris Scott was placed on active PUP today and would be eligible for the practice squad if released following the 1st 6 weeks of season and clears waivers.

Eligible for 2010 Practice Squad
C/G Maurkice Pouncey
OLB Jason Worilds
WR Emmanuel Sanders
OLB Thaddeus Gibson
T Chris Scott - Placed on PUP 8/31
CB Crezdon Butler
ILB Stevenson Sylvester
RB Jonathan Dwyer
WR Antonio Brown
DE Doug Worthington
G/C Kraig Urbik
CB Keenan Lewis
RB Frank Summers
RDE Sunny Harris
DT Steve McLendon
RB Isaac Redman
WR Tyler Grisham
TE Eugene Bright
G/C Dorian Brooks
T Kyle Jolly
S Justin Thornton
S Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith

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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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In the Steelers first preseason game Saturday night against the Detroit Lions, there were six players who did not get any playing time at all. Below is a break down of those six players and there current status going forward into the second preseason game versus the New York Giants.

QB Ben Roethlisberger - Ben sat out on what you would call a coaches decision. Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon needed the work and they got it. Mike Tomlin knows Ben has had a great camp thus far and getting reps in week 1 of the preseason was not necessary. Ben will get work this coming Saturday against the Giants and early word is he will start the game. Regardless if he does start or not is insignificant, but I would expect him to get at least a couple of series with the first team offensive line in front of him.

LB Jason Worilds - Worilds was held out because he was just getting over a hamstring injury and missed enough time early in camp that Tomlin did not think it would be fair to him to put him out on the field. word was he could of played if he had to. Tomlin said this past week that he is back working fully and should see extended time against the Giants.

T Chris Scott - 5th round pick Chris Scott remains on the active physically unable to perform list as he recovers from surgery to repar a broken foot. By all accounts Scott is not close to practicing and seems destined to miss all of training camp as expected. The Steelers have a while until they need to decide if he will be placed on reserve PUP or injured reserve. If place on the reserve PUP list to start the season, he will miss the first 6 weeks of the season, but will not count as a 53 man roster spot. At the end of 6 weeks the Steelers have a three week window to activate Scott to the 53 or place him on injured reserve.

DT Steve McLendon - McLendon suffered a MCL injury early on in camp and Tomlin revealed on Tuesday that the defensive tackle needed a procedure on the knee and is still recovering. The Steelers will likely make a decision on him soon and perhaps will waive him injured or place him on reserve PUP. The best case scenario for McLendon would be to get playing time in the final two preseason games and fight for a practice squad spot. Right now that seems like a long shot as he needs to practice first and will indeed sit out this week against the Giants.

FB Dwayne Wright - No word was given on why Wright was not given time against the Lions other than the fact that he was last in line to get any leftover snaps which were non existent. Wright is not likely to make the first cut and is merely a camp body. He may get a couple of reps versus the Giants especially if rookie Jonathan Dwyer is still nursing a shoulder injury, but it is not written in stone.

WR Isaiah Williams - Williams was the wide receiver signed when Limas Sweed was placed on IR with an Achilles injury. The Steelers wanted to give as many reps as possible to both rookie receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown. Williams is just the odd man out in fighting to get any reps with draft picks at the position and several other receivers on the roster. He likely will be out the door in the first roster cut down on August 31st as teams get down to 75 players.

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Tomorrow is the magic day as the Steelers report to the 2010 training camp in Latrobe. We have been previewing each position this offeseason leading up to camp and this preview is dedicated to the defensive line position. Make sure to read our previous previews by following the links below. We have only the special teams yet to go and that will be posted this evening or early on Friday.

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 lost both Aaron Smith and Travis Kirschke to injuries in 2009 and were forced to play Nick Eason and rookie Ziggy Hood more than they anticipated. Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel anchored an aging line that still ended up ranked 3rd in the NFL against the run. The pass rush lacked in 2009 and the Steelers must improve that in 2010 along with continuing the long tradition of stopping the run well.

Casey Hampton: Big Snack went into the offseason without a contract, but the Steelers franchised the nose tackle and went on to give him a three-year deal, worth $21 million. Hampton has responded by showing up at the OTA sessions looking a bit trimmer and more conditioned. He has one job and that is to clog up the middle on running downs and take on double teamings as well. He might be spelled a bit more this year on passing downs in an effort to keep in fresher for late in games. If things go right, Hampton could be headed back to the Pro Bowl in 2010, especially if he is able to get a bigger push and more pressure on the quarterback. He is the anchor of the defensive line and a great run stuffer.

Aaron Smith: Smith is returning from a torn rotator cuff injury that forced him out of action early in the season and ultimately to the injured reserve list. Smith is great when it comes to creating blitzing lines for the linebackers and is above average in recognizing and stopping the run. It is not unthinkable that Smith, like Hampton will be spelled more this season, especially now that Ziggy Hood is more up to speed going into his second year. Smith ignored orders to sit out until training camp, so by all accounts he should be back healthy. He knows his role in the defense and understands schemes completely. Smith is signed through the 2011 season, so the Steelers hope he can stay healthy this year.

Brett Keisel: Keisel is the force on the right side of the defensive line that never gets a ton of credit. Like Smith, he is well into the over 30 club, but put up good numbers in 2009 despite missing the final game against Miami with a stinger. Also like Smith on the other side, expect Ziggy Hood to get some reps in his place as well. Keisel needs to get back to getting a strong inside push to enable outside linebacker James Harrison a shorter route to the quarterback in 2010. Left tackles seemed to handle Keisel better in 2009 on passing downs, so this does need attention.

Ziggy Hood: 2010 should be the huge jump year for the 2009 first round draft pick out of Missouri. Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell has raved about the progress he has made since his rookie year. According to Mitchell, Hood has a better understanding of the defense entering his second season and his mechanics should allow him to remain on the field longer. That is great news for a starting defensive line that features all 30 somethings. Hood very well could push either Smith or Keisel for a starting spot as the year wears on, but for right now, he will spell both and expected to do so without any drop off of production. Hood needs to prove in 2010 he was worth the number 1 selection and force his way onto the field more as a future starter.

Chris Hoke: Hoke is the man counted on to spell Hampton at nose tackle once again in 2010. He is entering the final year of his contract. While not a lock to make the final 53 man roster, he has inexperience behind him. He is a bit undersized and often gets pushed around against the run. He does have a strong motor still and can get after the quarterback occasionally. He is a pretty sure handed tackler if he gets his hands on the ball carrier, but is not a guy you want starting 16 games for the Steelers. Great all around 3-4 nose tackles are hard to find and I see no reason why Hoke can’t be serviceable one more year. The Steelers may look at final cut down players across the league, but they will be hard pressed to find any that grade out above Hoke and his understanding of the defense.

Ra'Shon Harris: Sunny had a rough rookie year and it started with missing time last year in camp with a groin injury, but performed above average in pre season games. The Steelers hoped to stash him on the practice squad following the 2009 camp, but he was signed by the Panthers instead. After a short stay in Carolina, the Steelers signed him back, but he stayed inactive every game since his return. Sunny looks to challenge for a reserve left defensive end spot behind Smith and Hood. There is talk he might work inside at the nose position as well, but that has yet to be seen. If he gets off to good camp he will make Nick Eason expendable in a hurry.

Nick Eason: When left defensive end Aaron Smith went down last year, the Steelers turned to Travis Kirschke to fill the spot, when Kirschke went down with a calf injury, Nick Eason was the next man up as rookie Ziggy Hood was not ready to assume the role. Eason’s play was pedestrian at times yet was brought back on a one year deal this off season. He will have a tough time fending off the youth on the roster this Summer and could be a final cut down casuality.

Doug Worthington: Doug Worthington was drafted in the 7th round with hopes of becoming the future at right defensive end. He was blessed to work in the Ohio State 3-4 defense and was even moved inside on nickel fronts on passing downs. He slipped in the draft because of a mediocre combine that was a result of a lingering injury, but could really be a steal for the Steelers if he can get up to speed fast and stay healthy in camp. He indeed has an outside shot at a 53 man roster spot, but at worst should find his way to the practice squad. Watch him close on the right side during preseason as you could be looking at a future 7 year starter on the right side for the Steelers.

Steve McLendon: Steve McLendon is a hold over from the 2009 practice squad that is mostly an interior lineman. He has a hard path in front of him to make the roster and one would think he would have to do so as a nose tackle although undersized. The Steelers will likely only carry 6 or 7 defensive linemen, so McLendon has a ton of traffic, talent and experience ahead of him.

Scott Paxson: Another year, another look at Scott Paxson. Paxson will try to show he has the goods to beat out veteran Chris Hoke for the back up nose tackle spot. While not impossible, it is highly unlikely and Paxson will likely be a first cut down causality. He needs have his name called quite a bit during the preseason games in order to have an outside chance. Good luck, Scott.

Likely Training Camp Depth Chart:
RDE1 B. Keisel RDE2 Z. Hood RDE3 D. Worthington
NT1 C. Hampton NT2 C. Hoke NT3 S. Paxson NT4 S. McLendon
LDE1 A. Smith LDE2 Z.Hood LDE3 R. Harris LDE4 N. Eason

Summation: The growth of Ziggy Hood is paramount in 2010 as he will be looked to spell both Smith and Keisel all season long. It would be nice to see him force himself into the starting left end role at some point during the year, so Aaron Smith can then spell him and stay fresh. Hampton looks to be motivated inside with his new contract, so no let down is expected there. The biggest concern is depth behind those 4 players. Sonny Harris needs to prove he belongs on a 53 man roster and Doug Worthington could surprise everyone and stick on the right side. Age, injuries and depth issuers are the only concerns, but starting camp, the line looks in great shape all things considered.

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