Good Thursday to you Steelers’ fans.
Today is that day as a kid that in many ways really sucked. The emotional high of Christmas morning is over and the reality that it’s now 364 days away is a gut punch. In many ways that aftermath is similar to what we face with our Steelers. The reality is that when we wake up Monday morning we will know our team will not be seen again until late July in Training Camp. Don’t get me wrong, I’m hoping like crazy this team finds a way (with some help) to get into the postseason but I’m also looking at exactly what the chances are. The Ravens are resting a lot of their stars but the Steelers are still struggling offensively and the chances of a win and the necessary losses around the league are slim. It’s been that kind of season hasn’t it?
From the Training Room
STEELERS
CB Steven Nelson (Groin) – DNP
LB Mark Barron (NIR) – DNP
RB James Conner (Quad) – DNP
C Maurkice Pouncey (Knee) – DNP
G David DeCastro (NIR) – DNP
T Alejandro Villanueva (NIR) – DNP
TE Vance McDonald (NIR) – DNP
LB T.J. Watt (NIR) – DNP
DT Cameron Heyward (NIR) – DNP
RAVENS
TE Mark Andrews (Ankle) – DNP
CB Brandon Carr (NIR) – DNP
RB Mark Ingram (Ankle) – DNP
CB Marcus Peters (Chest) – DNP
CB Jimmy Smith (NIR) – DNP
S Earl Thomas (NIR) – DNP
The Ravens did not practice Wednesday. Practice participation is an estimation
TE Mark Andrews (Ankle) – DNP
CB Brandon Carr (NIR) – DNP
RB Mark Ingram (Ankle) – DNP
CB Marcus Peters (Chest) – DNP
CB Jimmy Smith (NIR) – DNP
S Earl Thomas (NIR) – DNP
The Ravens did not practice today. Practice participation is an estimation
NOTES… Yes the Steelers practiced on Christmas. Mike Tomlin sticks to his schedule as much as possible even when holidays fall during regular practice days… Do not plan on Pouncey. Tomlin made clear he won’t play Sunday… I honestly don’t expect to see Conner either.
Tweet of the Day… AND congratulations on your marriage as well! What a week Jas!
Had a great birthday & holiday ? hope y’all had a Merry Christmas
— jasmine (@jBSTEEL_) December 26, 2019
Big Ben’s Statement
A day after two different reports emerged about Ben Roethlisberger’s status for 2020 the future Hall of Famer issued the following via his twitter account.
P.S. Contrary to recent reports out there about my football future and my ‘uncertainty’ about playing again, I am working hard and am more determined than ever to come back stronger and better than ever next year!
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) December 25, 2019
The reality is that not even Ben knows what his future holds. Until he starts throwing and gets well into the summer he’s not going to know how that elbow reacts. This doesn’t change his intention though to be at his best.
Salary Cap Rant
I know a lot of things about the Pittsburgh Steelers. I know a lot of things about the NFL. I know a lot of things about football in general. I feel confident in speaking on any of those issues. I know some basics of the NFL salary cap but I know enough not to comment often about it when I don’t have the correct knowledge. I suggest that others follow this lead. The idea that the Steelers will be able to keep Bud Dupree and B.J. Finney and sign JuJu Smith-Schuster to an extension and sign all of these free agents everyone thinks we are signing is preposterous. The cap will go up but it isn’t going to allow the Steelers to suddenly make moves like it’s a Madden video game.
Santa Gilbert
Huge kudos to Steelers’ rookie linebacker Ulysees Gilbert! He walked into a local store in his Florida hometown and paid the layaway off for over 60 people. This totaled over $10,000. What a terrific gift to so many! Well done rook!!
Have a great Thursday Steeler Nation!
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