Steelers Notebook: Smith's back injury playoff concern
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Marvel Smith likely will miss his fourth game in the past six with a bad back that also could prevent him from participating in the playoffs.
"That is a possibility," coach Mike Tomlin said about his starting left tackle. "We are hopeful that it isn't the case, but that is a possibility."
Smith has a disk problem in his back.
"We're having to deal with this on a day-to-day basis and see how he improves and how he feels," Tomlin said. "Needless to say, he is uncomfortable at this point. I am hopeful."
Max Starks would continue to replace him at left tackle.
Strong safety Troy Polamalu also could miss Sunday's game in Baltimore because his knee is still swollen.
"We'll limit him a little bit this week in practice and see where he is as we move closer to game time," Tomlin said.
Although quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's right ankle is sprained, "we expect him to be OK," Tomlin said. "We'll see his ability to run on Wednesday."
Linebacker and special teams captain Clint Kriewaldt has "shoulder issues," and his status is murky for the game. Linebacker Andre Frazier (groin) will be listed as questionable. Linebacker Lawrence Timmons has a broken thumb, but he can play. Receiver Willie Reid has a separated shoulder but should be fine.
Running back update
Newly signed Verron Haynes has not played football since the Steelers released him on their final cuts. He could play all kinds of places in Baltimore Sunday.
The Steelers signed Haynes and placed Willie Parker on injured reserve. Parker had surgery Friday to repair his broken right fibula and should be OK to play next season.
"I wouldn't count Willie Parker out, any form or fashion," Tomlin said.
Haynes spent the past five seasons with the Steelers and has played halfback, fullback and third-down back, a job that was his before his release this year. He might find himself playing all three in Baltimore.
Najeh Davenport will start at halfback, rookie Gary Russell will serve as his backup and Haynes and Carey Davis could both see time as the third-down back. Davenport will relinquish those duties now that he is a starter.
"We've got a stable of guys that we will move forward with, but the primary running will be divided between Najeh and Gary Russell," Tomlin said.
Haynes worked out for the team several weeks ago when Davenport had a swollen foot.
"We ... were pleased with where he was from a physical standpoint," Tomlin said.
Parker's parents joined him at home here.
"He is on the road to recovery," Tomlin said. "It is going to probably be a tough road, but Willie has made his career battling odds and being healthy and making the best of situations, and I'm sure he will continue to do that."
Carter gets nod
Tomlin said Tyrone Carter would remain the starting free safety over Anthony Smith, although that could change if Carter has to move to strong safety to replace Troy Polamalu.
"Tyrone has played quite a bit because of Troy's injury," Tomlin said. "He has played very consistently and at a very high level.
"Anthony has experienced some troubles, letting the ball get behind him. The reality is, when you play extremely consistent and you keep the ball in front of you, those are qualities we like, so we chose to start Tyrone.
"Anthony is going to be a good player, but he has been experiencing tough times, so we went with the guy that has been playing well. It is really black and white."
