SB Nation Pittsburgh - Steelers Vs. Bills: Pittsburgh Cuts Myron Rolle, Danny Hrapmann, 13 Othershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48827/pitt-fv.png2012-08-30T14:05:46-04:00http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/rss/stream/30273662012-08-30T14:05:46-04:002012-08-30T14:05:46-04:00Steelers Roster: New IR Rule Could Affect Steelers Roster
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<p>The NFL and NFL Players Association have come to an <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/8/30/3279772/nfl-and-nfl-players-union-agree-to-new-trade-deadline-injured-reserve">agreement to change</a> the trade deadline and revise the injured reserve rule, according to a report by Adam Schefter.</p>
<p>While pushing back the trade deadline two weeks from Week 6 to the Tuesday following Week 8 will help all teams in the league, the revisions to the injured reserve rule has the potential to impact a few specific teams in the near future - and the Pittsburgh Steelers are <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/8/30/3279808/steelers-injury-report-nfl-rule-change-trade-deadline-david-decastro-rashard-mendenhall">one of them</a>.</p>
<p>With running back <span>Rashard Mendenhall</span> and right guard <span>David DeCastro</span> <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/28/3274391/steelers-david-decastro-injury/in/3027366">attempting</a> to return from extended injuries at some point this season, the Steelers may consider using this rule change.</p>
<p>According to the initial reports, teams would be able to remove one player per season from IR as long as the player was placed on reserve after to Sept. 4 and suffered a "major injury." As of this time, it's unclear what defines a major injury or when the player would be eligible to return but it is believed that the midpoint of the season will be the starting point for eligibility.</p>
<p>As of this time, Mendenhall has been removed from the physically unable to perform list but is not expected to play in the first few weeks of the season and DeCastro has <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/27/3273183/david-decastro-knee-injury-steelers-roster-transactions/in/3027366">yet to be placed</a> on IR. However, that could potentially <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/8/30/3279808/steelers-injury-report-nfl-rule-change-trade-deadline-david-decastro-rashard-mendenhall">change</a> over the coming days.</p>
<p><i>For more on the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, head over to <a href="http://behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Behind the Steel Curtain </a>and continue to check out <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Pittsburgh </a>for the latest on the squad.</i></p>
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https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/30/3280068/steelers-roster-injured-reserve-david-decastroMatt Brigidi2012-08-29T11:32:11-04:002012-08-29T11:32:11-04:00Steelers Position Battles: Jason Worilds, Chris Carter Face Off At Linebacker
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<p>With Pittsburgh Steelers' linebacker <span>Jason Worilds</span> being removed from the PUP list, the battle with Chris Carter for the backup position behind <span>James Harrison</span> and <span>LaMarr Woodley</span> rages on as the Steelers prepare for their Sept. 9 season opener against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a>.</p>
<p>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. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/8/29/3276351/steelers-roster-preseason-depth-chart-position-battle-outside-linebackers-chris-carter-jason-worilds">Behind the Steel Curtain blogger Neal Coolong</a> makes a case for Carter to continue to be given an opportunity to play:</p>
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<p>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.</p>
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<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; font-weight: bold;">Steelers</a>, head over to <a href="http://behindthesteelcurtain.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; font-weight: bold;">Behind the Steel Curtain </a>and continue to check out <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; font-weight: bold;">SB Nation Pittsburgh </a>for the latest on the squad.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/29/3276833/steelers-position-battles-jason-worilds-chris-carterBryan Crawford2012-08-28T17:31:54-04:002012-08-28T17:31:54-04:00James Harrison, Jason Worilds Removed From PUP List
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<p><span>James Harrison's</span> plan to play in Pittsburgh's season opener Sept. 9 vs. Denver is looking good: the five-time Pro Bowler <a href="http://www.steelersdepot.com/2012/08/steelers-remove-james-harrison-jason-worilds-from-pup-list/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteelersDepotBlog+%28Steelers+Depot+Blog%29">has been removed</a> from the physically unable to perform list, as has his backup, <span>Jason Worilds</span>.</p>
<p>Harrison hasn't practiced throughout training camp due to a knee that required a minor arthroscopic surgery two weeks ago. He kept the season's first game in his sights the entire time, knowing that he would need to practice a few times before that. Meanwhile, Worilds, Harrison's expected backup, has also been on the PUP with an injured wrist, while 2011 fifth-round pick Chris Carter has played in their absence. Neither will play in the team's preseason finale Thursday, but both will be able to begin practicing Monday and most likely play in the team's first game of the regular season.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the team <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib/status/240555270214934528">waived</a> running back Jason Ford in order to open up a roster spot for Mike Wallace, as he returns from his holdout.</p>
<p><i>For more on the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a>, head over to <a href="http://behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind the Steel Curtain </a>and continue to check out <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com">SB Nation Pittsburgh </a>for the latest on the squad.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/28/3275239/steelers-james-harrison-jason-worilds-jason-fordRodger Sherman2012-08-28T12:30:19-04:002012-08-28T12:30:19-04:00David DeCastro Injury: Steelers Don't Feel Knee Problem Is Season-Ending
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<p><a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> rookie guard <span>David DeCastro</span> potentially <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/8/28/3273989/david-decastro-injury-not-season-ending-says-c-maurkice-pouncey">could play</a> prior to the conclusion of the 2012-13 season, according to several of his teammates.</p>
<p>DeCastro is scheduled to undergo surgery on his right knee on Wednesday to repair an injury he sustained during the team's game against the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> on Saturday night. It was originally described as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/8/25/3268766/david-decastro-injury-update-steelers-preseason/in/3032794">potentially severe</a>, but now appears to be less threatening.</p>
<p>Via the <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/on-the-steelers-decastros-injury-not-as-severe-as-first-feared-650769/">Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette</a>:</p>
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<p>"It's sad, man, to see that happen," center <span>Maurkice Pouncey</span> said of DeCastro's injury, which occurred in the first quarter of Saturday night's game in Buffalo. "But it's a good thing it ain't season-ending. He'll be able to fight back toward the end of the year. He doesn't look down about it. He's accepted what happened and ready to move forward with it."</p>
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<p>Pouncey also stated that DeCastro had not torn his ACL, which he viewed as a "major" development. Coach Mike Tomlin would not discuss the injury nor the team's plans for the rehab program.</p>
<p><i>For more updates on DeCastro's injury and all the Steelers roster moves, head over to <a href="http://behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Behind the Steel Curtain</a>.</i></p>
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https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/28/3274391/steelers-david-decastro-injuryMatt Brigidi2012-08-27T21:37:56-04:002012-08-27T21:37:56-04:00David DeCastro Injury Update: Steelers Guard Likely Not Headed For IR, According To Report
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<p><a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> rookie offensive guard <span>David DeCastro</span> will likely not be placed on injured reserve this season, according to a <a target="_blank" href="http://triblive.com/sports/2482600-85/decastro-steelers-kugler-season-team-knee-david-guard-return-game#axzz24lGfKYIy">report from Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review</a>. DeCastro suffered what instantly looked like a severe knee injury during the Steelers' third preseason game against the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bills</a>. The final diagnosis was a torn MCL, damage to the patellar tendon, and a dislocated knee cap. He's slated to have surgery on Wednesday.</p>
<p>The recovery time from the surgery was initially estimated at three to five months, but <a target="_blank" href="http://triblive.com/sports/2482600-85/decastro-steelers-kugler-season-team-knee-david-guard-return-game#axzz24lGfKYIy">Kaboly writes</a> that the Steelers are hopeful that DeCastro will return for the second half of the season. Pittsburgh offensive line coach Sean Kugler said <a target="_blank" href="http://triblive.com/sports/2482600-85/decastro-steelers-kugler-season-team-knee-david-guard-return-game#axzz24lGfKYIy">he thinks the rookie will be back this year</a>:</p>
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<p>"Fortunately, he's not done for the year," Steelers offensive line coach Sean Kugler told Trib Total Media. "It is going to be a long comeback for him, but just the fact that it wasn't something devastating that ended his year (is positive.)"</p>
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<p>"I think David will be back this year, and he's intent on doing that; I know that," Kugler said.</p>
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<p>DeCastro was almost certainly going to open the season as the starting right guard. Kugler alluded to his "unbelievable progress" during the month of August and indicated as much. While his entire 2012 season may not be lost as originally feared, he'll be on the shelf for at least the first half. <span>Ramon Foster</span> is expected to replace him.</p>
<p>Keeping DeCastro off IR will mean the Steelers enter the season with 51 active players (<span>Rashard Mendenhall</span> is also rehabbing an injury). <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/8/27/3272402/steelers-injury-david-decastro-surgery-ir-injured-reserve-ramon-foster-depth-chart">SB Nation's Behind The Steel Curtain suspects</a> this could mean Mike Tomlin opts to go with only two quarterbacks, likely leading to the release of <span>Charlie Batch</span> and <span>Jerrod Johnson</span>.</p>
<p><i>For more updates on the DeCastro's injury and all the Steelers roster moves, head over to <a href="http://behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Behind the Steel Curtain</a>.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/27/3273183/david-decastro-knee-injury-steelers-roster-transactionsBrendan Porath2012-08-27T09:52:43-04:002012-08-27T09:52:43-04:00Steelers Roster Cuts: Danny Hrapmann, Mortty Ivy, Myron Rolle Among Monday Cuts
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<p>The Steelers have made the cuts necessary to bring their roster to 75 for the first round of NFL roster cuts, leaving kicker Danny Hrapmann and Mortty Ivy, who played in six games for Pittsburgh last season, packing their bags.</p>
<p>Here's the full list as tweeted by Bob Labriola:</p>
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<p>Cuts: LB Ryan Baker, DT Mike Blanc, WR Paul Cox, CB Andre Freeman, K Dan Hrapmann, LB Mortty Ivy, T Kyle Jolly, LS Matt Katula</p>
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) <a href="https://twitter.com/BobLabriola/status/240078496532135936" data-datetime="2012-08-27T13:29:08+00:00">August 27, 2012</a>
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<p>More cuts: CB Walter McFadden, TE Justin Peelle, TE Jamie McCoy, S Myron Rolle, WR Juamorris Stewart, DT Kade Weston, WR Jimmy Young</p>
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) <a href="https://twitter.com/BobLabriola/status/240078659841576961" data-datetime="2012-08-27T13:29:47+00:00">August 27, 2012</a>
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<p>Hrapmann was giving Shaun Suisham a run for his money after going 6-for-6 in preseason play, but it apparently wasn't enough to make the squad. Myron Rolle is an interesting name, as the former sixth-rounder turned heads for accepting a Rhodes Scholarship after graduating from Florida State, but he hasn't found his way onto an active NFL roster yet. Justin Peelle has had a decent career including long stints with the Dolphins and Chargers, but the tight end only had one reception for San Francisco last year. He had seemed like he had potential to make the roster with a suspension to tight end Weslye Saunders, but him being cut <a href="http://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib/status/240082652521189376">opens the door</a> for David Paulson, who, like Peelle, went to Oregon.</p>
<p>Next week, the Steelers will add another 12 names to this list as their roster needs to be at 53 by the start of the regular season.</p>
<p><i>For more updates on the Steelers' roster cuts as they trim their roster, head over to </i><a href="http://behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind the Steel Curtain</a><i>. </i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/27/3271383/steelers-roster-cuts-danny-hrapmann-mortty-ivy-myron-rolleRodger Sherman2012-08-26T19:52:09-04:002012-08-26T19:52:09-04:00David DeCastro Injury: Steelers Guard Could Miss 3-5 Months, According To Report
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<p><a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> rookie right guard <span>David DeCastro</span> could miss three to five months with his torn MCL, dislocated kneecap and partially torn patellar tendon in his right knee, <a target="_blank" href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/08/26/source-decastro-out-3-5-months/">according to a report</a>. His ACL is reportedly intact. The official diagnosis on DeCastro is expected on Monday.</p>
<p>DeCastro sustained the injuries when teammate <span>Marcus Gilbert</span> fell on his leg during the Steelers' 38-7 preseason win over the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> on Saturday. DeCastro was carted off the field after the play occurred on the second Steelers' drive of the game.</p>
<p>DeCasto was the No. 24 pick out of Stanford in the 2012 NFL Draft. Early in the preseason, the Steelers had thought of DeCastro as a regular-season starter but, depending on the results of his diagnosis, he could potentially miss the entire season.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Pittsburgh Steelers, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Behind The Steel Curtain.</a> For all things pro football, head to SB Nation's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl">NFL hub.</a></i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/26/3270338/david-decastro-injury-pittsburgh-steelers-mcl-3-5-monthsPat Johnston2012-08-26T14:32:46-04:002012-08-26T14:32:46-04:00Steelers' David DeCastro Tears MCL, Out Indefinitely
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<p>Brutal news out of Pittsburgh today. <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> first-round guard <span>David DeCastro</span> could miss the entire 2012 season <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp12/story/_/id/8304333/sources-pittsburgh-steelers-guard-david-decastro-torn-mcl-acl-intact">an MCL tear</a> suffered during preseason action against the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a>. DeCastro was carted off the field after his right leg was bent backwards as he attempted to block a Buffalo pass rusher in Pittsburgh's own end zone. Head coach Mike Tomlin hinted after the contest that the injury may be severe; on Sunday, his fears were confirmed.</p>
<p>In addition to being terrible news for a young player just beginning his career, this leaves the entire Pittsburgh offensive line in dire straits. DeCastro was considered the most NFL-ready Steelers rookie since center <span>Maurkice Pouncey</span>.</p>
<p>Fellow rookie lineman Mike Adams does not appear ready to take on NFL caliber pass rushers and is battling some (infinitely less severe) knee issues of his own, leaving <span>Max Starks</span> to protect quarterback <span>Ben Roethlisberger's</span> blind side at left tackle. Meanwhile, with and without DeCastro last night, the interior line struggled against the Bills' terrific front four. <span>Willie Colon</span> was pushed backwards by defenders from both guard spots (he took DeCastro's spot on the left side following the injury, while <span>Ramon Foster</span> settled in at left guard). Pouncey was also exposed a few times in limited action and hasn't appeared to be a truly dominant player since his rookie year. That leaves second-year man <span>Marcus Gilbert</span>, who is solid but unspectacular, at right tackle. <span>Doug Legursky</span> and Mike Adams will play roles as the primary backups for the interior and tackle spots, respectively.</p>
<p>This is a shaky unit at best. Except Todd Haley's offense to incorporate even more quick strikes in the passing game—we saw plenty of those in last night's dress rehearsal—to help mask what should be suspect protection.</p>
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