Aaron Smith Practicing, More Steeler Injury News

Aaron Smith: To play or not to play? That's the question being asked by the media as the injured defensive end practices this week and tries to see the field for the first time since tearing his triceps Oct. 24 in Miami. 

I just hopped out of the car and heard Seibel and Starkey on the radio debating whether or not to give Smith any PT at the expense of another player, but I say as long as he's able to see the field for at least 10-15 plays, you go for it. It's a veteran/respect/emotion thing that should go over incredibly well in the locker room, and those are the little boosts that a team needs at this point in the season. Besides, Will Allen sounds like he's iffy with a bum knee, so that should make the "who gets to sit" question a little easier.

As for other wounded Stillers, Bryant McFadden (ab strain) will be limited in practice this week, as will the aforementioned Will Allen. OTs Jonathan Scott and Flozell the Hotel are both cleared and ready to go after leaving last week's game, so that is welcome news for the offensive line. All in all, I'd say the team is in relatively good shape for this time of year, especially if Smith can contribute in some way. But we shall see how that story develops as the week rolls on.

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TODAY'S HEADLINES

ALAN FANECA SIGNS WITH ARIZONA

So much for Alan Faneca becoming the next player on the Steelers' 2010 "Back to the Future" roster.

The nine-time Pro Bowler, cut over the weekend by the New York Jets, quickly reached a deal to join the Pittsburgh West Cardinals, joining old coaches Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm and former teammates Joey Porter and Clark Haggans.

Unless I'm missing something, the Cardinals were down to only those two linebackers among Steeler castoffs. As far as the other ex-Steelers, Brian St. Pierre is a free agent and recently tried out to be Tom Brady's backup, Jerame Tuman and Dan Kreider are both without a team, Sean Morey is suiting up for Pete Carroll in Seattle, and Bryant McFadden is back in Pittsburgh.

But back to Faneca, whose new deal is for one year, $2.5 million - a far cry from the five year, $40 million deal he landed with New York in 2008, when he looked first for a place where he could win. Apparently a 4-12 team fit the bill at the time; besides, it's not like he walked away from the Super Bowl 43 champions or anything.

This time around, Faneca's refusal to take a pay cut takes him from the chic team in the AFC to a question-mark of a Cardinals squad in a topsy-turvy NFC West that's seen the import of Pete Carroll and Sam Bradford, among others, over the past few months.

The Cardinals' active offseason has seen them wave goodbye to a bevy of productive veterans, including Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Antrel Rolle, Karlos Dansby, Bertrand Berry, Jerheme Urban, Neil Rackers, and Morey. They've added Porter, Derek Anderson, Kerry Rhodes, Paris Lenon, Rex Hadnot, Jay Feely, Dominique Byrd, and Dan Williams to help fill the holes, and will keep their fingers crossed that Matt Leinart can live up to his pedigree at QB. But that seems like an awful lot of roster turnover in one offseason; I guess they figured one more big splash couldn't hurt.

Adam Schefter [Twitter]

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CHRIS CARR TO VISIT THE STEELERS

No one will ever confuse the Steelers with the Redskins when it comes to free agency (or commercials), but the Black and Gold will be bringing in a second unrestricted free agent for a visit this week.

On Wednesday, Titans corner/return specialist Chris Carr will take in all things Pittsburgh as he visits with the team. Carr, a backup with the Titans last year, was third in the AFC in kick returns (28.1) and eighth in punt returns (10.1) last season. That's one area where the Steelers have perenially looked for help since the depature of Antwaan Randle-El in 2006.

Carr was signed as an undrafted free agent by Oakland in 2005 after playing collegiately on the Smurf Turf of Boise State. He signed with the Titans as a restricted free agent last year after the Raiders failed to match Tennessee's two-year, $2 million offer.

Perhaps the most unnerving bit of Chris Carr comes from Wikipedia, where an old wound gets instantly reopened:

His first touchdown came while playing as a cornerback, when he intercepted a pass by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown on October 29, 2006 at McAfee Coliseum. It was the second longest interception for a touchdown in Raiders history and helped seal an upset win over the defending Super Bowl champions.

That's right - Carr was one of the key components in what I would call one of the biggest regular-season upsets in NFL history: the would-be 2-14 Raiders beat the defending Super Bowl Champions, scoring 20 points without an offensive touchdown. I think Ben Roethlisberger's still having nightmares about that game.

So why would the Steelers be interested? Well, Carr would not only help on special teams, but he would provide some secondary depth that's needed due to the recent defection of one Bryant McFadden. Considering the Steelers ended up not doing a deal with Duquesne's Leigh Bodden (another veteran who just signed with New England), it appears that this is a position the Steelers are targeting in the offseason.

Titans cornerback to visit Steelers tomorrow [PG]

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BRYANT MCFADDEN IS A CARDINAL

Following the lead of Nate Washington and Anthony Smith, Bryant McFadden decided that he was better off not playing for the defending Super Bowl champions in 2009, instead opting to join the runner-up Arizona Cardinals and former Steeler assistant Ken Whisenhunt. His replacement should be William Gay, who I feel is perfectly capable and ready to take the next step, despite that forgettable showing at the championship parade. The deal was negotiated by the lovable Drew Rosehaus, who is also representing disgruntled Cardinals Anquan Boldin and Edgerrin James. The terms were two years, $10 million, with $5 million guaranteed.

In four years with the Steelers, McFadden started a total of 18 games, never more than nine in one season. I always thought he got a bit of a raw deal as far as playing time goes, but I'm sure that will not be a problem in the desert. I was a little surprised at the somewhat lukewarm market for his services considering his upside and relatively inexpensive price tag, but I suppose that's what this market would bear.

My Bryant McFadden memories begin and end with his pass defense of Reggie Wayne in the 2005-06 playoff game at Indianapolis, post-heart attack-inducing Bettis fumble. And that was as a rookie in an extremely pressurized situation. I thought that would be the beginning of great things to come for McFadden, but for whatever reason, I never felt he reached his full potential here. Will that happen with the Cardinals? That's for McFadden (and Whisenhunt) to decide.

McFadden departs Steelers for Cards [Trib]

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STEELERS FREE AGENCY UPDATE

Catching up on this morning's moving and shaking...

--Chris Kemoeatu is re-signed: 5 years, $20 million. Apparently they matched an offer by the Jets, a team that loves to sign Steeler linemen. [PG]

--Looks like Nate Washington might go from the Super Bowl Champions to the 0-16 Detroit Lions. Why? Because Daunte Culpepper is clearly an upgrade over Big Ben, that's why. [MLive]

--The Lions are also taking a look at Bryant McFadden. Maybe they'll sign Mitch Berger, Mike Humpal, and Fernando Bryant too. [MLive]

--The freshly-cut Kendall Simmons is visiting with the Buffalo Bills. We'll miss the sacks of Ben while Simmons watches helplessly. [Blog & Gold, One for the Other Thumb]


--Gang Green is also close with Ravens LB Bart Scott, who once allegedly threatened to kill Hines Ward after a game. [ESPN]

--Kellen "the Soldier" Winslow is now a Tampa Bay Buc. Have fun with this, Raheem Morris: [ESPN]



--Former Steeler nemesis Fred Taylor joins New England, immediately hurting his wrist as he signed his contract. OK, I made that up. Or did I? [ESPN]

--And finally, Gisele officially took Tom Brady off the open market. [Deadspin]

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THE STEELERS ARE RELATIVELY HEALTHY

Update from Steeler Land: it looks like DB Bryant McFadden will be back in the saddle for Sunday's matchup with Dallas. That's good news, because the secondary will probably have their hands full with Terrell Owens and Roy Williams, although it's worth mentioning that Williams has struggled with the Dallas offense since his rescue from the football Bermuda Triangle of Detroit. His catch totals so far: 0, 2, 1, 3, 3, and 2. So I'm not sure exactly how much we should fear his overpaid presence.

DE Brett Keisel is once again out for Sunday, and OT Marvel Smith isn't expected to play, but other than that, the Steelers are in pretty good shape, all things considered.

Dallas, on the other hand, is not so lucky. LB Demarcus Ware (who's sporting 15 sacks this season, one more than Silverback) and RB Marion Barber are both dinged up, although it looks like Barber is going to play anyway. After Barber on the depth chart is Tashard Choice, who has all of 30 carries this season. The weakened rushing attack will undoubtedly put more pressure on Tony Romo and the passing game, which reinforces the importance of getting McFadden back.

In other Stiller news, Najeh Davenport was cut by the team for a third time yesterday. At least I think it's the third time. I've lost count. He's officially become this generation's version of Brian St. Pierre, not knowing if he's on or off the roster on a given day. His spot has been given to DT Scott Paxson, a first-year player from Penn State. It goes without saying that we should all be very excited about the roster move.

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THEODORA AND PAISIOS, AND WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

As you may or may not know, Troy Polamalu and wife Theodora are expecting. I'm happy for them. You're happy for them. We're all happy for them. Of course, the pending birth of Paisios Polamalu may cause Papa Polamalu to miss the upcoming Monday-nighter with Washington. From the Beaver County Times:

When asked Thursday if there’s a chance he may miss Monday’s game, Polamalu said, “I don’t know. We’ll see what happens.”

When asked when his wife is due to deliver their first child, Polamalu said, “She’s due soon … any time now.”

So we could potentially be looking at a secondary missing Polamalu, Ryan Clark, and Bryant McFadden against the 6-2 Skins. Oh well, as long as we can pacify the great Anthony Smith with some well-deserved playing time, we should have no worries.

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SANTONIO WILL START

Here's a briefing of the Tomlin press conference today:

--WR Santonio Holmes is back with the team and will start on Sunday. I'm sure he's learned his lesson.

--RB Willie Parker is day-to-day. Aren't we all. But officially, it's "questionable".

--NT Casey Hampton is day-to-day with turf toe but will probably play.

--QB Ben Roethlisberger has a sore shoulder and is day-to-day. I'm guessing he'll play.

--T Marvel Smith is day-to-day with a back strain and will start if he can play.

--S Ryan Clark is doubtful with a shoulder separation

--P Mitch Berger is rehabbing his hamstring; Steelers worked out Ricky Schmitt and will sign him if Berger can't go.

--LB Keyaron Fox is still recovering from a hammy injury and his status is up in the air

--LS Greg Warren is out for the year, and the Steelers will sign a replacement by day's end. I'm guessing James Harrison's work at the position is done for the foreseeable future.

--DB Bryant McFadden is out this week, recovering from a broken arm.

--Either Tyrone Carter and Anthony Smith will start at safety on Monday.

A STEELERS SOFTBALL SATURDAY

This is the best I could do for a "Steelers Softball" photo

For anyone interested in watching football players play softball, tomorrow is your lucky day. At 1 PM at North Allegheny HS, several Steelers take to the diamond for a celebrity game to benefit the Pittsburgh Foundation.

Hines Ward, Deshea Townsend, Casey Hampton, Santonio Holmes, Charlie Batch, and Jeff Reed are scheduled to appear. And don't quote me on this, but I could've sworn that I heard on the DVE morning show today that Big Ben might be there as well.

And as reported earlier in the week, the Washington Wild Things will also be hosting a Steeler-laden softball game on Saturday night. That game will start at 7:05 pm at CONSOL Energy Park. While their rosters have not been set, their website indicates that "over the past few years prominent Steelers like James Harrison, Chris Hoke, Bryant McFadden, Anthony Smith, Deshea Townsend, Nate Washington, Santonio Holmes, and Louis Lipps."

Will any Steelers pull an Ernie Banks and attempt to play two? I doubt it. But the prospect of watching James Harrison taking a swing is mighty intriguing.

If anyone out there attends one or both of these, feel free to email mondesishouse@gmail.com with any recaps and/or photos.

The $22.5 Million Backup

We all know about his background. Uncle Francois forcing him to work out until 2 AM as a teenager. Lining his backyard with baking flour to truly understand the dimensions of a football field. Chasing rabbits to increase his speed. Yes, Ike Taylor truly was the Cinderella story of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He worked his way from Louisiana-Lafayette to 4th round pick to starter for the Super Bowl champions. He signed a 5-year, $22.5 million contract before the season. And now he's backing up Bryant McFadden, while Deshea Townsend inexpicably remains in the starting lineup.

Yes, these are crazy times here in Steeler Land. It seems that our future Hall of Fame coach felt the need to shake up the roster. Instead of extracting Deshea "Swing and a Whiff on Javon Walker" Townsend from the starting cornerback position, Ike Taylor becomes the scapegoat for the demise of the 2006 Steelers season.

Cowher chose not to demote Townsend because Cowher is a big "dues" guy. Townsend played all those years as a nickelback and Mr. Bill is rewarding him for his loyalty, plain and simple. In his fourth year as a pro, Taylor is a virtual pup in the eyes of his coach when compared to the nine years of service that Townsend has clocked.

While Taylor certainly did not play well on Sunday against Denver, neither did most of the Steelers. Cowher wants to shuffle the deck, and someone who has struggled was going to take the fall, fair or unfair. And since he can't bench all 22 starters (unless you want to see Charlie Batch handing off to Najeh Davenport and throwing to Nate Washington), something like this was bound to happen. Frankly, I'm surprised Cowher has waited until the ninth game to make a change, and I'd be equally surprised if he stopped at one change.

Steelers Win; Batch Home Avoids Trash Influx

The Steelers opened the 2006 NFL season in grand fashion last night, grabbing victory from the jaws of defeat in a 28-17 win over the Miami Dolphins. While the game will be remembered for a number of big plays, I think the biggest story should be the tragedy averted to the city of Homestead, PA.

I'm of course talking about the situation that Homestead's own Charlie Batch set up in the fourth quarter. Batch engineered a beautiful drive that moved the Steelers from their own 18 yard line to the Dolphins' goal line. Batch then fumbled Jeff Hartings' snap, and the Dolphins took posession. Staring down a Friday morning of trash removal from his front yard, Batch took the ball with 6:25 on the clock and 87 yards to go. Genius Offensive Coordinator Ken Whisenhunt called an 87-yard touchdown pass to Heath Miller, which Batch executed flawlessly. Of course, Miller stepped out of bounds at the 2 yard line, but I'm sure this is the last time that will be brought up.

Daunte Culpepper reverted back to his form of 2005 (pre-injury), which resembled the garbage that would've been thrown on Batch's lawn. He had two beautiful interception tosses to Troy Polamalu and Joseph Porter, with Porter's resulting in a touchdown. So Culpepper supporters can say that he did throw a TD last night. And if Ike Taylor actually had hands and fingers instead of cement blocks attached to his arms, Culpepper would've had a third interception and the Dolphins would have scored one less TD.

Here are some other thoughts on the NFL opener:

1. I liked the Bettis entrance; no one else noticed this, but that actually was Tim Lester driving the bus. Hey, work is work.

2. Jeff Reed showed his offseason spent at the Mike Vanderjagt School of Kicking paid dividends already

3. Reed aside, Steelers' special teams were not up to snuff. They let a member of the Caucasian Wide Receivers of America light them up on punt returns; Santonio Holmes figured fielding a punt inside his own 5 was a good idea; Ricardo Colclough showed he has no idea how to even field a punt; and James Harrison had an absolutely fantastic holding penalty on a kickoff.

4. Mark Madden really is a Super Genius. He was dead on: Nate Washington can't play in the NFL, he's not sold on Willie Parker, Charlie Batch is a 1-15 QB and they'll never throw to Heath Miller.

5. Hit of the Game: 1. Bryant McFadden in the closing minutes. 2. Brett Keisel's block on Culpepper's INT. Don't worry, Culpepper will have plenty of chances to work on his post-INT tackling.

6. Mini-Belichick may be a genius in the making, but he has yet to master the task of tossing a beanbag at an official

7. I never knew Joey Porter was gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

8. Anyone catch the momentum-changing no-call on the Cedrick Wilson pass interference in the 1st half? Seattle is right: those refs really do give us all the calls.

9. I'd like to see a show of hands...how many people still feel comfortable calling the Culpepper Dolphins a Super Bowl team?

10. "NFL Experts" Theismann, Schlereth, Mortensen, Allen, and Jaworski were all dead on: Dolphins victory in the opener.

One down, 15 to go. Bring on the Jags. Nice work, Chuck.