So the Steelers have decided for now not to put Aaron Smith on IR, which means for the moment the team is going to have to figure out what to do the D-line in terms of rotation.
The club will have to bring up a D-linemen, and as the Trib reported, the decision is not going to be an easy one. It would appear that DT Steve McLendon will be back with the team. He’s the easy choice after recovering a fumble he played in the Tennessee game.
When they do so, there’s a decision to be made as to what player goes.
Here’s what the Trib says in their blog about what the team may have to do:
The Steelers could release one of their cornerbacks but they used a third-round draft pick on Keenan Lewis in 2009, and they think rookie Crezdon Butler has the potential to start one day. Making Anthony Madison the odd man out is risky as he is one of their best special teams players, and no one needs reminded of how the Steelers’ kick coverage units cost them dearly last season.
That same argument can be applied to Arnaz Battle, who plays sparingly as a wide receiver but is valuable on special teams. The Steelers could cut offensive tackle Tony Hills and try to sneak him onto their practice squad but another team might snatch him up if he becomes available.
The same is true of rookie outside linebacker Thaddeus Gibson and first-year running back Jonathan Dwyer.
My choice is Battle. The wide out core seems to be just fine right now with the guys they have, and there’s no for sure that they couldn’t get Battle back if need be. You hate to see a team give up on young talent, so my choice is Battle. What do you all think the team should do?
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Don
October 27, 2010 at 12:04 pm
My vote is for Randle El.
George H
October 27, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Some reason Randel El somehow demands respect while hes on the field… I say Battle needs to go. Why isnt Antonio Brown returning kicks anymore?
DrGeorge
October 27, 2010 at 1:05 pm
If A. Smith was as badly injured as first reported, he should have gone on IR. That the Steelers chose to keep him on the roster indicates his injury may not be as severe as first believed and that there is a fair possibility that Smith will be back in action for the playoffs. We all hope that is the case, because when Smith is healthy, there are few as good as he is.
Based on the assumption that Smith will be back in six to eight weeks, I would bring up McLendon to fill the void and cut B. Urbik, who looks increasingly like a major bust as a second round draft pick and who has yet to distinguish himself. My second choice would be Tony Hills, who has improved this year, but still hasn’t cracked the roster after four years. Neither Urbik nor Hills is likely to be on the team after this year in any event. My third choice would be J. Dwyer — not because Dwyer isn’t a keeper and a talented prospect, but because he is less likely to be claimed than any other player. Few teams have a spot for a fullback. For that matter, Arians has yet to find a way to use him either.
jay
October 27, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Dr. George, are you aware that Craig Urbik is currently with Buffalo. I like Battle being cut because he is older and one dimensional (only special teams), Hills could develop and so could Dwyer.
mark
October 28, 2010 at 9:24 am
No question the odd man out should be Battle. The rookie WR’s have made receptions and Kick returns, something Battle has done neither of. The rookie wide-outs have made an impact already and should only get better. Therefore, losing a Special teams player seems the most easiest to overcome. I know, we said that about Chidi Ouwama a few years back, but this team is rich in young LB’s and young DB’s, they should be able to carry the load on ST.