Heading into the first preseason game against the New York Giants Saturday night, it seemed certain that we\’d see Joe Long get some time at left tackle during the game. As it turned out, Long never saw the field.
Long reportedly didn\’t play Saturday, bcecause the coaching staff wanted to get a long look at the second team unit. According to the latest depth chart released by the Steelers on Wednesday, Long is now listed as the backup alongside D\’Anthony Batiste at left tackle behind Mike Adams, so one would think we should get to see him in action Monday night in the second preseason game against the Washington Redskins.
The Steelers are still in search for an eighth offensive linemen to carry on the 53 man roster and Long figures to now be behind in that roster battle. During the offseason practices, the Wayne State product worked mostly as the second-team left tackle, but did occasionally flip over to the right side.
Long finished the 2012 season on the Steelers practice squad, so he certainly should be in tune with the offense. Being as Guy Whimper will likely play left guard sometime during the game Monday night, Long very well could be beside on the second-team offensive line.
Last week, Batiste played left tackle late in the game, but wasn\’t overly impressive impressively, so the bar certainly isn\’t set that high right now for Long.
