Good Thursday to you Steelers fans.
A day after the world heard Mike Tomlin’s emphatic response to rumors surrounding his future, the team got down to business. Running Back Anthony McFarland was activated off of Injured Reserve while running back Jaylen Samuels was released. The team also placed defensive tackle Carlos Davis on IR and signed DT Chris Slayton. Drafted in 2019 by the Giants, Slayton played his college ball at Syracuse. McFarland admitted yesterday that as the regular season approached he had some issues with his knee. An MRI revealed an MCL tear. He says he feels a lot better now and is ready to go. That’s good news because the Steelers have to find a stable reserve to give Najee Harris a break from time to time. Benny Snell just isn’t dynamic enough to fill that role. As for Davis, he started the season strong and had a lot of people hopeful that he could be the guy to replace Stephon Tuitt and later Tyson Alualu in short/long term. His knee just hasn’t gotten any better. And as for Samuels, the former NC State TE/RB/FB lasted a lot longer in Pittsburgh than thought he would. He went for over 100 yards against the Patriots a couple of seasons ago and that ended up being the highlight of his time in the Steel City.
The Podcast
We return tonight! The SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc returns after a week’s hiatus. Sinus infections that result in having literally ZERO voice are not good for hosting podcasts. The last thing you wanted to hear was me sounding like a cross between Don Corleone and a teenager going through puberty. Lots to discuss tonight!
Joe Cool
Did you catch the comments made by Joe Haden yesterday? He was emphatically loving the comments made by Mike Tomlin the day before. But what also caught my attention was a comment about James Pierre. Pierre stood next to him at practice recently and said, “I can’t believe I’m a Pittsburgh Steeler.” I don’t think too many players can say the same based on where they play.
Tweet of the Day… An absolute rite of passage regardless of age.
#OTD 1966 “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” first aired on CBS. #Halloween pic.twitter.com/HUUghUjP5z
— Brett Coughlin (@CoughlinBrett) October 27, 2021
From the Training Room
STEELERS
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Pectoral/Hip) – Limited
LB Melvin Ingram III (Groin) – Limited
WR Chase Claypool (Hamstring) – Limited
RB Anthony McFarland (Knee) – Full
OL Zach Banner (Knee) – Full
BROWNS
DE Jadeveon Clowney (Ankle, Groin, Knee) – DNP
DE Malik Jackson (Ankle) – DNP
S Richard LeCounte III (Not Injury Related) – DNP
WR Jarvis Landry (Knee) – DNP
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (Groin) – DNP
CB Denzel Ward (Hamstring) – DNP
WR Odell Beckham Jr. (Shoulder) – Limited
RB Nick Chubb (Calf) – Limited
T Jack Conklin (Knee) – Limited
LB Tony Fields II (Illness) – Limited
CB A.J. Green (Groin) – Limited
OL Blake Hance (Elbow) – Limited
QB Baker Mayfield (Left Shoulder) – Limited
LB Malcolm Smith (Abdomen) – Limited
C JC Tretter (Knee) – Limited
T Jedrick Wills Jr. (Ankle) – Limited
LB Mack Wilson (Calf) – Limited
Injury Notes: Most interesting to me is that Big Ben was listed as “limited.” Normally he does not practice (DNP) on Wednesdays… I think Melvin Ingram is the eighth player to have a groin issue now… Cleveland is banged up, there’s no doubt about it. Under no circumstances should the Steelers take them lightly however. Good teams never think that way.
Football is Not Hard
Every week in the NFL is different. Different opponent, different matchups, different coaching plans, etc. What never changes is this. Teams that block and tackle better than their opponents will be successful far more than not. The game this week is a prime example. After seeing what Seattle and Alex Collins did to our run defense in the second half, we have every right to be concerned about the Cleveland rushing attack. I don’t care who is carrying the ball either. If we don’t maintain discipline, gap integrity, get off blocks and tackle well then this game will be over before it starts. That really is as simple as it gets.
Our Stuff!
As you know we have partnered with DC4Lcustomtees.com for our online store. Now we are excited to partner with them for the month of October. Sales of these Breast Cancer Awareness shirts and hoodies will go directly to Breast Cancer Research. That’s 100% of all sales. There are various color options as well. You’ll also notice we have one that might be a little too racy for some but in our polling we found a lot of people liked them so we are offering! Get yours today!
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