Doug Legursky, who spent most of the 2008 season on Pittsburgh's practice squad, will get his first start for the Steelers at right guard in this Sunday's contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Incumbent starter Trai Essex missed practice all week with an ankle injury and has been ruled out of the game.
Legursky, a Marshall product, played in eight games last season, typically lining up in the backfield in short-yardage situations.
The Steelers offensive line has been a patchwork operation as of late. The team lost left tackle Willie Colon for the year during training camp, then Max Starks was held out of last week's victory over the Tennessee Titans with a low ankle sprain. Fortunately, Starks is back this week, and the Steelers have an early Week 5 bye to get their big men healthy for the rest of the regular season.