After a solid performance against the Eagles last Thursday, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are looking more towards getting their starting units substantial playing time and looking for any of the younger players to step up in efforts to make the team.
“The clock is ticking in terms of some men making a statement or a move and they are well aware of that,” said Tomlin. “We are anxious to see what they are capable of doing.”
Tomlin said that the starting units on both offense and defense will play a minimum of the first half and maybe into the second half.
Florida rookie lineman Marcus Gilbert will get the start at left tackle, while Tony Hills will get an opportunity to start at right guard.
“He’s been on the come since a rocky beginning, like a lot of guys have rocky beginnings,” Tomlin said of Gilbert. “He’s marched back relatively well and we’re pleased with what we are seeing, but it must continue.”
Tomlin only ruled out Ike Taylor (broken thumb) from the game with others questionable including CB Cortez Allen, WR Jerricho Cotchery, LB Mario Harvey, CB Bryant McFadden, WR Emmanuel Sanders and OT Jonathan Scott.
Game Notes:
• The Steelers are 14-5 in the preseason over the last five seasons (2011 – 1-1, 2010 – 3-1, 2009 – 3-1, 2008 – 3-1, 2007 – 4-1)
• The Steelers are 6-0 all-time in the preseason against the Falcons
• The Steelers and Falcons last played in the preseason in 2001 in Atlanta (Steelers 17, Falcons 16)
• The game will be televised live on Saturday on KDKA at 7:30pm
Image Source – (Photo by Shawn McCullough/Ohio Valley Athletics)
Questions, Comments, Suggestions? Contact Shawn at shawn@ovathletics.com
Discussion about this post