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Player News - Steelers

Date: Team: Pos:
Marcus Gilbert - T - Steelers

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette believes it "looks more and more as if" Marcus Gilbert will be the Steelers' left tackle this season.

Gilbert is competing with Mike Adams, but beat writer Ed Bouchette believes Adams' run-blocking prowess makes him a better fit on the right side. "Right now, I feel really confident with what I have to bring on the left side in protecting Ben (Roethlisberger's) blind side,'' Gilbert said. "I know he's highly confident in me, too."
Related: Mike Adams
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
May 24 - 11:49 AM
Le'Veon Bell - RB - Steelers

The Steelers plan to "supplement" their power-rushing attack with zone-blocking concepts in 2013.

It's one of the changes Ben Roethlisberger was hinting at. Per reporter Mark Kaboly, the Steelers are trying to take advantage of their "all-of-a-sudden big, nimble and young offensive line." The Steelers' rushing attack was ineffective under power plodders Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman last season, wheezing to 3.7 yards per carry and 96.1 yards per game. Pittsburgh has made no secret of its efforts to get more athletic up front, but new feature runner Le'Veon Bell is a better fit for a power offense on paper. That being said, Bell sometimes struggled to get more than what was blocked in college, so perhaps the ZBS will be an asset an outside runs.
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
May 24 - 9:15 AM
Justin Brown - WR - Steelers

Steelers signed sixth-round WR Justin Brown to a four-year contract.

Brown (6-foot-3, 207) isn't an explosive athlete, as evidenced by his 4.60 forty and 30.5" vertical, and he'll have trouble separating at the NFL level. Brown will compete for No. 4 or 5 receiver duties and a special teams role.
May 23 - 4:14 PM
Terry Hawthorne - DB - Steelers

Steelers signed No. 150 overall pick CB Terry Hawthorne to a four-year contract.

At 6'0/195 with 4.44 wheels and an ability to hit, Hawthorne has the tools to contribute down the line. For now, he'll try to carve out a spot on special teams while backing up Ike Taylor, Cortez Allen and William Gay.
May 23 - 11:48 AM
Markus Wheaton - WR - Steelers

Steelers signed No. 79 overall pick WR Markus Wheaton to a four-year contract.

A versatile and lightning fast prospect, Wheaton will battle veteran Jerricho Cotchery for the No. 3 job. He's getting a slow start as Oregon State's late graduation has kept him out of OTAs, but has the raw talent to eventually win the gig. Wheaton could be in for a significantly bigger role in 2014 as Emmanuel Sanders will be an unrestricted free agent.
May 23 - 11:41 AM
Emmanuel Sanders - WR - Steelers

Emmanuel Sanders said he is engaged in contract conversations with the Steelers "right now."

Sanders is currently operating on a one-year, $2.5M contract after the Steelers matched a restricted free agent offer sheet from the Patriots. Finally getting a chance to run with the No. 2 wideout job, Sanders may think he can have a breakout season and hit 2014 unrestricted free agency as a hot commodity. It's a dicey negotiation for the Steelers as Sanders has totaled just 94 catches, 1,290 yards and five touchdowns through three NFL seasons. They won't overpay.
Source: CBS Pittsburgh
May 23 - 10:29 AM
Jonathan Dwyer - RB - Steelers

Jonathan Dwyer is getting the first-team reps at OTAs this week.

It's another case of veteran deference. Dwyer flopped in a chance to run with the job last season, averaging just 3.30 YPC on 98 totes over the final eight games. He was reportedly on the trading block during the draft, and Steelers coaches have pegged him as a complementary back. By training camp, second-round rookie Le'Veon Bell is expected to be running with the starters.
Related: Andre Brown
Source: Scout.com
May 23 - 9:49 AM
Ben Roethlisberger - QB - Steelers

Speaking Tuesday, Ben Roethlisberger said the Steelers have revamped their playbook, but refused to provide specifics.

"There's been some changes this offseason in some of the offensive philosophies, playbook and some things that I think are good," he said. "It's some compromise from all the different position coaches, the running back coaches, the line, and quarterback coaches. I think we've taken a little bit of everything and made it a lot better." The Steelers fell from 12th to 21st in total offense last season, and lost lid-lifting WR Mike Wallace in free agency. With the addition of potential bell-cow back Le'Veon Bell, the Steelers could be adopting a more methodical philosophy designed to extend Roethlisberger's career.
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
May 22 - 6:31 PM
Heath Miller - TE - Steelers

Heath Miller (torn ACL) remains without a timetable for a return, but believes "there’s a chance" he'll be ready for Week 1.

"I’m running now. I’m doing everything," Miller said. "I’m not at full speed, but I’ve been able to do everything that they’ve asked me to do. So, I’m pleased and encouraged. It’s been a long process. ... But I’m going to keep taking it one day at a time and get better every day." The Steelers didn't draft a tight end, so they're clearly counting on Miller contributing in 2013. He's too risky to count on as a low-end TE1 for fantasy purposes, however.
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
May 22 - 4:49 PM
Cortez Allen - DB - Steelers

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports the Steelers plan to use CB Cortez Allen in the slot on nickel downs, and bring in William Gay to man the outside opposite Ike Taylor.

Per reporter Mark Kaboly, the Steelers believe Allen has the speed to cover receivers, and the size to cover tight ends. A 2011 fourth-rounder, Allen stands in at 6-foot-1, 196 pounds with 4.51 wheels. He's taking Keenan Lewis' spot in the starting lineup. Allen played 563 snaps last season, grading out positively in Pro Football Focus' ratings.
Source: Mark Kaboly on Twitter
May 22 - 1:33 PM
Mike Adams - T - Steelers

Steelers OTs Mike Adams and Marcus Gilbert will compete for the starting left tackle job.

Adams, the No. 56 overall pick last year, started six games at right tackle as a rookie and gave up seven sacks. Gilbert, entering his third season, also started six games at right tackle. Both players finished the season on injured reserve with ankle injuries. Free agent Max Starks isn't expected to be re-signed, and the loser of the competition will stick on the right side.
Related: Marcus Gilbert
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
May 21 - 8:55 AM
Troy Polamalu - DB - Steelers

Steelers SS Troy Polamalu is reportedly in his best shape since his days at USC.

The Steelers kick off OTAs on Tuesday. Polamalu missed nine games with a lingering calf injury last season, and the team needs him to be on the field more this year. Three of the Steelers' starting four defensive backs -- Polamalu, FS Ryan Clark, and RCB Ike Taylor -- are all over the age of 32.
Source: Mark Kaboly on Twitter
May 20 - 8:29 PM
Vince Williams - LB - Steelers

Steelers signed sixth-round ILB Vince Williams to a four-year contract.

A physical thumper at inside linebacker, Williams is viewed as a potential long-term heir apparent to Larry Foote. As a rookie, Williams will try to carve out a role on special teams, assuming he makes the final 53-man roster.
Source: Ed Bouchette on Twitter
May 20 - 2:43 PM
Markus Wheaton - WR - Steelers

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette anticipates third-round WR Markus Wheaton entering camp behind the "learning curve" because Oregon State's late graduation will keep him away from the Steelers until June 14.

NFL rules prohibit players who haven't graduated from college from participating in full-squad offseason workouts until they do. Wheaton did take part in rookie camp, but he'll essentially miss all of OTA season. It's a reminder that Wheaton isn't a serious candidate to compete for a starting job as a rookie.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
May 19 - 1:16 PM
Shamarko Thomas - DB - Steelers

Steelers agreed to terms with No. 111 overall pick S Shamarko Thomas on a four-year contract.

Thomas is expected to learn at the foot of Ryan Clark for one year before pushing for a starting job in 2014. He proved he can hit at Syracuse, racking up 16.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks and four forced fumbles. The question is if Thomas can cover. Clark is entering a contract year and will turn 34 in October.
Source: Gerry Dulac on Twitter
May 16 - 10:22 AM

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