Home Quick Hitters SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The “WR Breaks” Edition

SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The “WR Breaks” Edition

by Steeldad
Heyward

Good Thursday to you Steelers’ fans.

For the second week in a row the Pittsburgh Steelers are catching a break when it comes to facing the opponents’ top receiver. Last week the Colts were forced to play in the Steel City without T.Y. Hilton and now the Los Angeles Rams are going to be without Brandin Cooks. Some would argue that Cooper Kupp is a bigger threat to the Steelers (and they might be right) but without Cooks the Rams will clearly not have their full compliment of weapons. Cooks is actually coming with the team to Pittsburgh but he will see a specialist regarding his concussion issues. While this is indeed a break for the Steelers’ defense, stopping Kupp and the plethora of tight ends will still be a serious challenge for Keith Butler and company.

A “Sutton” Return?

You may have thought the ship sailed on former sixth round draft pick Sutton Smith ever returning to the Steelers but we’re being told it remains a distinct possibility. He’s been working behind the scenes at transforming himself into more of a fullback which he once played prior to his move to edge rusher at Northern Illinois. The team is very concerned about Roosevelt Nix’s knee which continues to give him problems. Primarily, Smith would be used on special teams but if Nix becomes a long-term problem he could see time at fullback. Stay tuned. [UPDATE]: The Steelers have released Smith and signed running back Darrin Hall to the practice squad.

Tweet of the Day… I try to feature Dave’s photography whenever I can. Awesome stuff.

The Podcast Tonight

We’ll be recording the Steel City Blitz Steelers Podcast presented by 26shirts.com/Pittsburgh tonight. As usual we’ll discuss a number of topics but we’ll also dive deeper on the evaluation of Mason Rudolph and discuss just how good this coaching job is by Mike Tomlin.

From the Training Room

STEELERS

RB James Conner (Shoulder) – Limited
OL Ramon Foster (Concussion) – Limited
WR Ryan Switzer (Back) – DNP
RB Benny Snell Jr. (Knee) – DNP
RB Trey Edmunds (Ribs) – DNP
FB Roosevelt Nix (Knee) – DNP
LB Mark Barron (NIR) – DNP
TE Vance McDonald (NIR) – DNP
OL Maurkice Pouncey (NIR) – DNP

RAMS

WR Brandin Cooks (Concussion) – DNP
LB Bryce Hager (Shoulder) – DNP
DT Tanzel Smart (Illness) – DNP
RB Malcolm Brown (Ankle) – Limited
LB Clay Matthews (Jaw) – Limited
OL Andrew Whitworth (NIR) – Limited

NOTES… As I mentioned yesterday, Foster being in protocol is not as concerning considering the success of B.J. Finney… The respective situations of Trey Edmunds and Ryan Switzer bear watching. Diontae Johnson would likely return punts and Johnny Holton would return kicks should Switzer not be available. Edmunds being out would force Tony Brooks-James to get some more game action.

Slow Down

Two things that we have to slow the hell down on are our evaluations of Mason Rudolph as a potential starting quarterback and Mike Tomlin being a coach of the year candidate. First of all, Rudy’s body of work is not nearly enough to make a call on yet so let’s give him the year. In terms of Tomlin, yes it’s great the team has battled back to 4-4 but we must take into account the teams beaten and the teams lost to during the first eight games. If the Steelers win Sunday against the defending NFC Champs then I think we can start recognizing the job Tomlin has done.

Have a great day Steeler Nation!

QH is presented by

 

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