GBMelBlount
09-01-2016, 10:04 AM
By Ed Bouchette / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
While the Steelers’ top free agent this year languishes until November or beyond, two others might have to come to the rescue from the get-go.
Offensive tackle Ryan Harris and defensive end Ricardo Mathews also joined the Steelers as veteran free agents this year. Unlike tight end Ladarius Green, they arrived healthy, remained so and now must step up after two key injuries.
Defensive end Cam Heyward and offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert, two Pro Bowl-caliber players, left the game Friday night in New Orleans with injuries. Both say they will be ready to go when the Steelers open the season Sept. 12 at the Washington Redskins. Their injuries might say something else.
Harris will start at offensive right tackle tonight for Gilbert and Mathews at defensive right end for Heyward when the Steelers play their final preseason game at 7:30 at the Carolina Panthers. They also might start the regular season at those spots.
Both have been around the NFL block and are ready to assume the position.
(continued)
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/09/01/Two-other-free-agents-remain-healthy-and-might-start-Steelers-regular-season-opener/stories/201609010079
While the Steelers’ top free agent this year languishes until November or beyond, two others might have to come to the rescue from the get-go.
Offensive tackle Ryan Harris and defensive end Ricardo Mathews also joined the Steelers as veteran free agents this year. Unlike tight end Ladarius Green, they arrived healthy, remained so and now must step up after two key injuries.
Defensive end Cam Heyward and offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert, two Pro Bowl-caliber players, left the game Friday night in New Orleans with injuries. Both say they will be ready to go when the Steelers open the season Sept. 12 at the Washington Redskins. Their injuries might say something else.
Harris will start at offensive right tackle tonight for Gilbert and Mathews at defensive right end for Heyward when the Steelers play their final preseason game at 7:30 at the Carolina Panthers. They also might start the regular season at those spots.
Both have been around the NFL block and are ready to assume the position.
(continued)
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/09/01/Two-other-free-agents-remain-healthy-and-might-start-Steelers-regular-season-opener/stories/201609010079