Spaeth Getting the Chance Sunday to Pick Up the Slack for Miller

The Steelers are going to have to go with Matt Spaeth at tight end Sunday, and it sounds like he is ready to make an impact and that he’s good to go from a concussion. A concussion for Heath Miller is the reason Spaeth will get the start vs the Bengals.

“Everything’s gone real well this week,” Spaeth said. “I was a little nervous coming into the week, but everything’s gone real well and I’ve responded well so I think that’s what I needed to get a little confidence back.”

Spaeth has stepped up in the past when Miller has been out. In 2008, when Miller missed two games because of an ankle injury, Spaeth caught 12 passes, six in each game. “I’m looking forward to it,” Spaeth said. “I’ve done it before, I’ve done well, so I’m excited.”

Miller’s replacement has only caught five passes for 49 yards this season, but caught all five of his passes in the past four games in which he played. “This is what we’re here for, as starters in waiting, and that’s how I look at it,” Spaeth said. “You’re always one snap away from being a starter.”

Sunday is that chance for Spaeth, who may have a big role on a day where wet weather with a chance of snow could play a factor.