Good Wednesday to you Steelers fans.
Much like the quarterback situation is fluid from now until opening day, so too is the situation regarding defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt. As you know, Tuitt lost his brother in a senseless hit and run accident during the summer then injured his knee preparing for the season. He did not dress or play in even one game in 2021. Steelers’ GM Kevin Colbert addressed the Tuitt situation earlier this week.
“Stephon had a tough season last year. He was battling a knee injury he worked his way through. We put him on Injured Reserve. He’s had a personal situation he’s had to deal with.We have been in contact with Stephon and we are very open to continuing to help him, that position, and his availability to us. We just hope for the best for him as he tries to return to the Steelers.” -Kevin Colbert
That does not sound like a ringing endorsement that his return is inevitable. To me, it sounds much more like the Steelers “hope” Tuitt returns and still have no idea as to whether or not he will. There is of course a personal side to this and I’ve expressed many times none of us can tell anyone else how to feel after such a loss. The truth of the matter however is that there is still a business side to this whether we like it or not. Would the Steelers try to ‘re-coup’ some of the money owed to him? Would they welcome him back with open arms? Would the players welcome him back? And ultimately, if he isn’t fully invested in returning in 2022, what do you do with him other than cut him?
As I wrote yesterday, the idea that the D-Line is not a concern for next year is ridiculous. The concern for it grows immensely should Tuitt be done in Pittsburgh. And even if he does return, what version of him will the Steelers get? That’s an important question as well.
Tweet of the Day… Bob is 100% correct here. The motivation for Rudy to do well should be off the charts.
I know one thing, #Steelers QB Mason Rudolph should be highly motivated and very eager to prove people wrong..
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) February 23, 2022
Bracketology
For those of you interested in the NCAA Tournament or “March Madness,” then this may be the place for you. Every year Ian puts together all kinds of information leading up to the selection of the 64 (or is it like 68 now?) team field. His first articles will be out soon!
And So It Begins…
Yesterday the Kansas City Chiefs released linebacker Anthony Hitchens. Browns’ wide receiver Jarvis Landry put out a tweet that made it look very much like his days in Cleveland are done. As we get closer to the beginning of the new league year (March 16th), we will continue to see more and more cost-cutting from all 32 teams. Keep an eye out on all of these players because there is a decent chance some end up in Black and Gold.
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