With Pittsburgh Steelers' linebacker Jason Worilds being removed from the PUP list, the battle with Chris Carter for the backup position behind James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley rages on as the Steelers prepare for their Sept. 9 season opener against the Denver Broncos.
Worilds was the top backup last season but a wrist injury has kept him out of training camp. As a result, Carter has stepped up and competed hard in both practice and in the Steelers' preseason games. Behind the Steel Curtain blogger Neal Coolong makes a case for Carter to continue to be given an opportunity to play:
Carter has a nice step off the line, and looked competent enough in his pass rush where he could be an asset if he continues to develop along the same lines. It's a different story against the run, though. While he can't realistically be expected to anchor down against the run the way Harrison does - and has throughout his tenure with the Steelers - to legitimately compete for that top back-up position, he's going to have to get within the vicinity of that level.
For more on the Steelers, head over to Behind the Steel Curtain and continue to check out SB Nation Pittsburgh for the latest on the squad.