News from Bill Cowher press conf. (1 Viewer)

[Godsbrother]

Out: LB James Harrison (ankle), S Mike Logan (shoulder)

Doubtful: WR/PK Willie Reid (ankle)

Questionable: QB Ben Roethlisberger (concussion), , LB Clark Haggans (ankle), Casey Hampton (hamstring), Joey Porter (hamstring)

Probable: WR Cedric Wilson (groin), S Tyron Carter, Dan Kreider (ankle), WR Santonio Holmes (foot)

Cowher said that Ben did have a concussion and had an MRI on the brain & neck and both were normal. They also did other tests on Ben and are encouraged by the results. He said Ben will continue to be tested during the week and may practice tomorrow, depending on how he feels. Cowher said that Ben will play if he gets cleared medically.

(As an aside one of the reporters joked that he passed Ben by in the cafeteria and that his appetite hasn't been affected). My gut feel is that Ben is going to play this week.

Not much else to report other than Cowher said that he talked to league officials about the call at the end of the game and said it is a closed issue. My guess is he was told it was the correct call. He also said that he has talked to the team about celebrations after TDs and the matter has been addressed (again).

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Cowher didn't say as much but it sounded to me like Ben will play if he passes his next concussion test and continues to feel okay.

 

[Godsbrother]

One area of concern for the Steelers is at linebacker. James Harrison is definitely out and Haggans and Porter are both questionable. If they can't go then Arnold Harrison will get another start and Chad Brown would get his first start as a Steeler since 1996.

Rian wallace and Clint Kriewalt will be the backups.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

Good Stuff GB, as usual.

I didnt see the Atl game, but our Defense obviously is hurting. Do we need Porter this badly????

Its a shame James Harrison is out. This coulda been his time to shine...hope Rian Wallace gets some serious playing time.

 

[Godsbrother]

Good Stuff GB, as usual.I didnt see the Atl game, but our Defense obviously is hurting. Do we need Porter this badly????Its a shame James Harrison is out. This coulda been his time to shine...hope Rian Wallace gets some serious playing time.

The defense played well in the first half but fizzled in the 2nd half. Much of the problem was the fact that Atlanta had outrageous field position throughout the game. I believe their average starting field position was around the 50 yard line, with three drives starting inside the Steelers 30. Still, just because you give them crazy field position doesn't mean they have to score a TD on all of them.Joey Porter and/or James Harrison would have certainly helped. Polamalu was all over the place but the rest of the secondary did not do a good job of covering Crumpler.

 

[pecorino]

the defense played to stop the run and to contain Vick in the pocket. they were largely successful in this endeavor except for a couple nice cutback runs by norwood and a some killer vick escapes late in the game. in exchange for all of this containment, vick had a lot of time and wasn't pressured in the least. the steelers picked their poison, giving Vick the opportunity to burn them with his arm and he did just that. had they made a couple timely stops after turnovers and held them to field goals, i would say they played well--but they didn't. giving up 41 points (no matter the field position) says that they gave Vick too little credit for his arm and field presence. i am not too worried about the defense moving forward as i think Vick is a special player and i expect their upcoming opponents will find it MUCH harder to get into the endzone.

 

[Kevin Jones Fan]

Walter and Moss seem to be finding a connection. Assuming Walter plays and the Pittsburgh D is shorthanded, this might be a match-up to exploit this week.

 

[Franknbeans]

I'm thinking Nate Washington for a long score

 

[Steelers4Life]

Good Stuff GB, as usual.I didnt see the Atl game, but our Defense obviously is hurting. Do we need Porter this badly????Its a shame James Harrison is out. This coulda been his time to shine...hope Rian Wallace gets some serious playing time.

The defense played well in the first half but fizzled in the 2nd half. Much of the problem was the fact that Atlanta had outrageous field position throughout the game. I believe their average starting field position was around the 50 yard line, with three drives starting inside the Steelers 30. Still, just because you give them crazy field position doesn't mean they have to score a TD on all of them.Joey Porter and/or James Harrison would have certainly helped. Polamalu was all over the place but the rest of the secondary did not do a good job of covering Crumpler.

The Falcons' ability to run in the 2nd half likely had a lot to do with Hampton being out with his hamstring injury. The Falcons had 40 yards rushing before he got hurt, which was basically the entire first half. They ran for 130 yards or so after he left early in the 2nd.It's a banged up unit, but hopefully even a banged up Steelers' defense can control the Raiders' offense.

 

[Godsbrother]

Ben Roethlisberger did not practice today but is still hoping to get medical clearance for this week's game. Ben said he feels fine and the only lingering effect has been a slight headache. When asked if he had one now (this afternoon) he said no.

The Steelers did have some good news as LB Joey Porter returned to practice. Porter has missed the past two weeks with a hamstring injury. Clark Haggans did not practice today but still hopes to play this week. I did not hear any updates on NT Casey Hampton.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Ben Roethlisberger did not practice today but is still hoping to get medical clearance for this week's game. Ben said he feels fine and the only lingering effect has been a slight headache. When asked if he had one now (this afternoon) he said no.

The Steelers did have some good news as LB Joey Porter returned to practice. Porter has missed the past two weeks with a hamstring injury. Clark Haggans did not practice today but still hopes to play this week. I did not hear any updates on NT Casey Hampton.

FWIW the PG is reporting Ben practiced.

Big Ben practices; aims to play Sunday

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger pulled on his pads, uniform -- and helmet -- and reported to practice this afternoon with the full intent that he will play for the Steelers Sunday in Oakland.

"I feel good," Roethlisberger said. "Just trying to get ready to get out there and help the team any way I can."

Coach Bill Cowher listed Roethlisberger as questionable after a concussion knocked him out of last Sunday's game in Atlanta in the third quarter. However, tests conducted on Roethlisberger's head and neck showed no damage and as long as he continues to pass the mental tests he will be given the rest of the week, he should play Sunday.

 

[Godsbrother]

Ben Roethlisberger did not practice today but is still hoping to get medical clearance for this week's game. Ben said he feels fine and the only lingering effect has been a slight headache. When asked if he had one now (this afternoon) he said no.

The Steelers did have some good news as LB Joey Porter returned to practice. Porter has missed the past two weeks with a hamstring injury. Clark Haggans did not practice today but still hopes to play this week. I did not hear any updates on NT Casey Hampton.

FWIW the PG is reporting Ben practiced.

Big Ben practices; aims to play Sunday

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger pulled on his pads, uniform -- and helmet -- and reported to practice this afternoon with the full intent that he will play for the Steelers Sunday in Oakland.

"I feel good," Roethlisberger said. "Just trying to get ready to get out there and help the team any way I can."

Coach Bill Cowher listed Roethlisberger as questionable after a concussion knocked him out of last Sunday's game in Atlanta in the third quarter. However, tests conducted on Roethlisberger's head and neck showed no damage and as long as he continues to pass the mental tests he will be given the rest of the week, he should play Sunday.

Wow, ESPN radio just reported that Ben did NOT practice today. Maybe there is a difference of opinion on what constitutes "practice" but Bouchette is seldom wrong on his reports so I will go with him, especially since it is better news!

 

[MarcO]

Not much else to report other than Cowher said that he talked to league officials about the call at the end of the game and said it is a closed issue. My guess is he was told it was the correct call. He also said that he has talked to the team about celebrations after TDs and the matter has been addressed (again).

isn't it ironic...

 

[Godsbrother]

Not much else to report other than Cowher said that he talked to league officials about the call at the end of the game and said it is a closed issue. My guess is he was told it was the correct call. He also said that he has talked to the team about celebrations after TDs and the matter has been addressed (again).

isn't it ironic...

You guys kill me. Why wouldn't he contact the league to get clarity on a call?

 

[Godsbrother]

Now ESPN radio has just said that Ben participated in limited drills but did not take part in the entire practice.

Reid, Hampton, Haggans and Cedrick Wilson did not practice.

 

[joffer]

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Now ESPN radio has just said that Ben participated in limited drills but did not take part in the entire practice. Reid, Hampton, Haggans and Cedrick Wilson did not practice.

It will be interesting to see if Santonio Holmes gets the start this week with Ced Wilson questionable. I would think Nate Washington remains WR3 but that could also be a possibility. Holmes has looked pretty good as a receiver recently.It also sounds like Kemoeatu may be on his way to replacing Kendall Simmons.