The prognosis for defensive end Aaron Smith is still a little murky according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Smith missed the final 13 games of the season bcause of a torn triceps tendon and the injury is healing. There have been no setbacks. But he is not fully recovered, and it is still unclear at this point if he will be 100 percent recovered in time for training camp.
Could this be a reason that the D-line spot was a point of focus with first round pick Cam Heyward more than maybe some thought? If Smith isn’t going to be able to be at full strength in 2011, the line is going to need to find some players, which is why having Ziggy Hood around is important, and it’ll be critical to get Heyward up to speed as well.
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DrGeorge
May 14, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Aaron Smith has been for years a stalwart of the Steelers’ defensive front and a fan favorite. But all pro careers must end someday, often forced by injury or a loss of skills. The Steelers generously kept Smith on the roster last year in the hope of his return for the playoffs, but that didn’t happen. If he isn’t ready by training camp this year, my guess is that his spot will not be kept open out of regard for his contributions in the past. Football is a business, and our defensive line needs at least two more effective pass rushers. Maybe Heyward is one of them. Clearly, Hood is not. Keisel needs help, and not just from blitzing linebackers that free zones for wide receivers to exploit. When free agent signings become possible, DE is a position that will receive scrutiny of the same magnitude as that for the much needed shutdown CB. Both of those positions must be solidified by training camp if the Steelers have any hope of getting back to the Super Bowl.
marie
May 14, 2011 at 5:09 pm
I don’t agree that Hood is not a good pass rusher. He made some key sacks in key spots this year. In a 3-4 scheme, DE do not normally make sacks. smith, who we ALL love as a player, rarely got sacks. Hood played well in his absence and expect him to get better knowing he will start the season. Even if Smith is/was healthy, Ziggy MUST start.
Dave B.
May 15, 2011 at 6:38 pm
Aaron Smith has had a wonderful career in Pittsburgh but if hes not ready to go by the time training camp starts then as Chuck Noll said many times , its probably time to get on with his lifes work . Thats not a knock on Aaron in any way because he will go down as one of the Steeler greats and one of the most underrated players of his era . However , the Steelers cannot continue leave a roster spot open for a player as old as Aaron who has already had nearly a year to rehab this injury . It just isnt possible when the defense is trying to get younger .
Jay
May 16, 2011 at 3:52 pm
Also, if this (not fully recovering article) is true, then I highly doubt the legitimacy of one of the aforementioned articles about the Steelers trying to trade with Washington for Pouncey: One, if you know Miami wants him (which was common knowledge), then why trade up to be one spot AFTER Miami in lieu of one spot ahead of them??? Also, it makes no sense to not fill in the needed D-line positions if Smith is not fully healed! Although I do not agree with Dr. George about Ziggy, ( I actually saw great strides in Hood last year), the fact remains he’s no Suh or someone of that caliber! We need to replenish the interior D-Line! We are actually young up front on the offensive line (hell, we’re young on offense all over for the most part). We made it to the Super Bowl with J.Scott, D. Legursky and no Colon (anyone know if Steelers plan on resigning Willie???)!