Steelers Blog

Tomlin: “It’s an enormous week for us”

Coach Mike Tomlin is well aware of what is at stake this Sunday when the Steelers host the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field.

The Bengals hold a one-game lead over the Steelers and currently occupy the final playoff spot in the AFC. But a win over them would not just leave the two teams tied at 8-7, but it would give the Steelers the head-to-head advantage as they defeated them earlier this season in Cincinnati.

“It’s an enormous week for us with a big home game versus a division opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals,” said Tomlin. “There are a lot of ramifications on this game, for both teams. It is really creating an exciting environment around here as we prepare. I am sure it’s the same for them.”

The Bengals are a hot team right now, winning five of their last six games. One of the reasons for their success has been the play of several key weapons on offense, including BenJarvus Green-Ellis who has amassed 1,080 yards rushing to date. The Steelers held the explosive back to 69 yards in their earlier meeting this year, but understand stopping him isn’t going to be an easy task. 

“He has a consistent run demeanor,” said Tomlin. “He always falls forward. He is kind of a one-cut runner. He’s had explosion plays for them over the last several weeks, as they have been a very hot team. He has been a significant part of that, providing a consistent run game for them but also providing some splash plays.” 

Another player who will present a challenge for the Steelers’ defense is receiver A.J. Green, who has 85 receptions for 1,208 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

“He is extremely talented,” said Tomlin. “We are familiar with him and what he is capable of. He is big, fast and quick. He plays to his size down the field. He plays the ball above eye level. That’s going to be a challenge for our defensive backs.”

Cornerback Ike Taylor has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game, so the job of covering Green and the Bengals’ receivers is going to fall on Cortez Allen and Keenan Lewis, both of whom are battling injuries themselves.

“They’re very capable professionals, guys that have played a lot of ball for us, guys that are capable of standing up and covering people regardless of circumstances,” said Tomlin. “We’ll have a contingency plan if one or more of those guys are unavailable. But as we sit here, we’re anticipating having those guys and we’re going to do what we normally do.”

* * *

Running back Rashard Mendenhall is back on the active roster after a one-game suspension, but don’t look for things to change dramatically at the position. Jonathan Dwyer is still expected to start against the Bengals, with Isaac Redman coming in to spell him.

“I’m happy with the rotation as it is now,” said Tomlin. “I look forward to getting Rashard back in the building and participating with his teammates and kind of letting that participation lead us in terms of etching a potential role for him.”

Lewis helps make holidays brighter

Cornerback Keenan Lewis kicked off the holiday season by hosting his “Teen Days of Christmas” on Tuesday, bringing joy to teens that could use a lift this time of year.

Lewis teamed with KidsVoice, an organization that provides full-service advocacy for abused, abandoned, voiceless and vulnerable children, to make the holiday season brighter for 23 area teens.

“It’s important to give back to the kids and give them the opportunity to enjoy Christmas,” said Lewis. “That is the big thing. Some people are less fortunate and aren’t able to enjoy Christmas as much. If it puts smiles on their faces, it’s a blessing.”

The event definitely put smiles on the faces of the teens, who joined Lewis at Games N’ At on Pittsburgh’s South Side for dinner. Lewis also gave each of them a movie gift card and gift bag with a football and Steelers’ shirt, courtesy of Lewis and Dick’s Sporting Goods.  

“When you have the opportunity you give thanks to God to be able to share with others,” said Lewis. “It makes me happy and I’ll never forget where I came from. It makes me appreciative.”

Taylor still out, but others could return

The Steelers will be without cornerback Ike Taylor (ankle) for the third straight game when they host the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on Sunday, and will also be missing fellow corner DeMarcus Van Dyke, who was placed on injured reserve after separating his shoulder against the Cowboys.

There is some good news at the position, though. Cortez Allen is expected to practice this week and play on Sunday after missing the Cowboys game, and Keenan Lewis, who aggravated his hip flexor against the Cowboys, could be limited in practice early in the week but is expected to play.

The team signed veteran corner Justin King to add depth at a position. King, in his fourth season, was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round in2008 and made 19 starts and played in 35 games over three seasons.

“He has played some time in this league,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “He is in the building as we speak kind of getting up to speed with what it is we do. He was a short list guy for us. We worked him out a number of weeks ago and have been in pretty good communication with him. He should be a quick study and a guy who fits in quickly around here. We’ll get a sense of what he is capable of doing through the course of the week and maybe he is able to help us in this football game.”

The Steelers could get tackle Mike Adams (ankle) back this week against the Bengals after he has missed three straight games. Adams is scheduled to return to practice and how he performs will dictate his availability.  

“We will gauge and watch him during the course of the week in practice in terms of determining whether or not he can help us,” said Tomlin. 

Receiver Emmanuel Sanders injured his ribs against the Cowboys, and his status for Sunday’s game is not known at this point.   

“He will be monitored and limited in the early part of the week,” said Tomlin. “We’ll gauge how he works if he is able to participate.”

Steelers notes for Bengals game

Check out the Steelers notes for this week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Steelers Game Notes

Clark, Beachum serving up smiles

If there is one thing Ryan Clark loves to do it is make people smile. He has an impeccable knack for bringing joy to those around him, making it impossible not to laugh even if you are feeling down.

On Monday night, Clark brought his bubbly personality to women definitely in need of a little holiday cheer when he and teammate Kelvin Beachum served a holiday dinner to those at the Women’s Center and Shelter of Pittsburgh, a shelter that serves women and children affected by the horror that is domestic violence.

Clark first visited the shelter a few years ago with former teammate William Gay, whose mother lost her life to domestic violence. When Gay left via free agency, Clark promised he would continue the commitment to the shelter and he hasn’t let them down.

“I can never put myself in their shoes, but to see how much Will cared and know he had a tragedy with his mother and seeing the effort he put in, it’s a blessing to be able to come here and do that now,” said Clark, who was also joined by his wife Yonka and their three children. “It’s about lifting someone up during the holiday season when they are going through a tough time.

“Domestic violence is so real. A lot of times it escalates to more than someone putting their hand on someone. What is missed and what I see here is so many kids are affected. These women have children that they have to bring here. To come here and get the word out and do something for them, it’s a reality that is going on in the world.”

Clark and Beachum joked with the ladies, giving one who is a Ravens fan a playfully tough time, and just making them feel special and cared for.

“To be able to put a smile on their faces is priceless,” said Beachum. “To play with the kids and have a conversation with them is awesome.

“I haven’t had to personally deal with domestic violence, but have friends who had. To see there is a place women can go and seek help and we can contribute and be of help is wonderful.”

After dinner the players signed autographs for everyone and shared more hugs, smiles and laughs.

“The holidays can be a difficult time being separated from your family, out of your home and in a situation where you are living with a bunch of strangers,” said Barb Nicholas, the shelter’s Development Director. “To have the attention of celebrities like athletes to come forward and spend their time is so extra special. It means a lot that they show they are thinking about the people here and caring about them. They understand the courage it took the women to come here and seek help.  

“This is the most special day of the year for the shelter residents.”

Steelers Huddle Guests – 12-18

The Steelers Huddle Show will air on KDKA-TV on Saturday’s at 11:35 p.m.

Show tapes at Heinz Field and is hosted by KDKA’s Bob Pompeani with a special Steelers gues each week.

There is a $5 admission charge. Parking is available in the Stage AE Parking Lot for $5.

6:30 PM – Doors Open

7:30 PM -Show Taping Begins  

The first four weeks taping is in the FedEx Great Hall and then moves to the East Club Lounge the last four weeks.

Taping Schedule 

Wed., Sept. 12 - Steve McLendon and Heath Miller (FedEx Great Hall)

Wed., Sept. 26 - Brett Keisel and Maurkice Pouncey (FedEx Great Hall)

Tues, Oct. 9 -  Larry Foote and Antonio Brown   (FedEx Great Hall)
     
Wed., Oct. 24 -  Mike Adams and Casey Hampton (FedEx Great Hall)
 
Wed., Nov. 7 –   Franco Harris and Jonathan Dwyer (East Club Lounge)

Wed., Nov. 21 –  Mike Wallace and Keenan Lewis (East Club Lounge)
                        
Wed., Dec. 5 –   Max Stasrks and Antonio Brown (East Club Lounge)

Tues., Dec. 18 – David DeCastro and Ziggy Hood  (East Club Lounge)

Coach Tomlin’s Post-Game Comments

Opening Comment: It really is simple men. Just not enough of the critical plays in the waning moments of the football game to seize opportunities. I thought we had opportunities. We allowed them to remain in the game and we lost the game because of it. We had a lead, had a punt return and it was going to be good field position and we put the ball on the ground. We had the ball up around midfield at the end of regulation and timeouts and we got dropped for some negative plays and the game went into overtime. Of course, once we got into overtime they made the significant play. Not enough to close it out, unfortunately. We’ll take a look at it tomorrow and move forward. We understand where we are in this thing and the margin for error is zero. If you look at us from an injury standpoint (DeMarcus) Van Dyke separated his shoulder in the game and was unable to return. Emmanuel Sanders had a rib injury and Keenan Lewis had a groin and was unable to return. We’ll assess the injuries as we move forward and be geared toward the readiness of the healthy men and get ready for a real big football game at Heinz Field this weekend.

Normally you greet your players after the game outside of the locker room. Why didn’t you today?
I did. I just did it inside the locker room.

When Antonio Brown let the punt bounce later in the fourth quarter, was he under any kind of direction to do so?
I was down around the line of scrimmage so I couldn’t see the length of the ball and some of those things and how it unfolded. We like to field the ball in the air in those circumstances if we can, I can’t pass judgment on it because I was watching the line of scrimmage. It was fourth and very short and that is where my attention was.

Can you talk about the play of the secondary without Ike Taylor?
I thought they competed, particularly the young guys. We had them in some tough situations. Not enough plays. That can be said not only for them but for our football team. Not enough critical plays, particularly in those moments to secure victory. They made the splash play necessary to secure victory, we didn’t.

Why did you feel the offense wasn’t able to get into any kind of rhythm today?
I wouldn’t necessarily say that. I just didn’t think we took advantage of opportunities when we had them. We made some plays, just not enough.

Steelers control their own fate

With just three games remaining the Steelers find themselves controlling their own fate as far as the postseason goes, with this Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys the first step.

If the Steelers win out, they would secure a wild card playoff spot and still could win the AFC North division, depending on how the Baltimore Ravens finish out the season.

“These next few games we are in control of the rest of our journey,” said running back Jonathan Dwyer. “It’s a big emphasis for us to get this win, not just because of the situation, but because it’s the next game.

“I think there is a sense of urgency just because you want to win. We are still the same guys, the atmosphere is the same. But it’s December football. We know how important that is. You can tell from all of the guys. Coach (Mike) Tomlin doesn’t have to say anything. It just what it is.”

When December football rolls around, for teams in the playoff race, things escalate. The intensity picks up with more on the line and like Dwyer said, there is no need to preach the importance of games, especially with a veteran team that has been to the playoffs.

“December is the most important month of the season,” said receiver Plaxico Burress. “You want to be coming together and building a stretch run to get into the playoffs. You want to gather that confidence. We wanted to go out and win that game last week, but right now is a time we really want to be on the rise.

“We have a tough game in Dallas this weekend and then two home games. It’s a great opportunity for us to finish strong. As Coach Tomlin says the eventual world champion usually isn’t losing any more games at this point of the season. Guys understand the sense of urgency to go out and win this game and get on a run. It’s all about who gets hot this time of year. I have seen some crazy things happen and we definitely have the talent to do it. We just need to focus and make it happen.”

Houston, New England and Denver have already clinched playoff spots, but three spots remain in the AFC with Baltimore, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, New York and the Steelers leading the way for those last spots. 

“We need to win every game,” said receiver Mike Wallace. “We don’t have time to lose a game and look around. When you look at the reality of things and the stretch, there are teams with the same or better record than us so we have to continue to handle what we can. As long as we handle our business, you don’t have to worry about what other teams do.”

The Steelers remaining schedule includes the Cowboys this week on the road, and then home games against AFC North rivals Cincinnati and Cleveland. If the Steelers are going to make the playoffs, getting hot now is a must.  

“At this point of the season you have to start feeling it, get that second wind,” said Burress. “Everyone is looking to make it to the playoffs. Everyone is eyeing that trophy. Everyone is chasing it. Games are tougher now because teams know how critical they are.

“We just have to focus on us. If we go and win out, we don’t have anything to worry about and we don’t have to look over our shoulder. If we finish out strong we can write our own story.”

Steelers fans show off their colors for a cause

Steelers’ fans love wearing their team colors, and proudly showed them off in a recent contest sponsored by Tide, called “Show Us Your Colors.”

NFL fans were asked to upload a photo of the time they were most proud to wear their colors to Tide’s Facebook page, with one person winning a trip to the Super Bowl.

But, there was an even bigger winner in the campaign, as the team that had the most photos uploaded won a $15,000 donation to their charity of choice. Steelers’ fans once again showed their devotion by uploading the most photos, and the United Way of Allegheny County will receive the donation on behalf of the team.

“This contest again proves that Steelers fans are the best in the NFL,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II, who serves as Chairman of the Board of the United Way of Allegheny County. “Not only do our fans show their support at Heinz Field and throughout every stadium in the league, but they also prove that they support our team in every way possible. Their dedication to the Steelers has resulted in a major contribution to the United Way, which goes above and beyond what happens on the field. We are grateful to have fans who care about the team, the organization and the community as much as ours do.”

The Steelers and the United Way of Allegheny County have a long standing relationship, starting with founder Art Rooney, Sr., and continuing through today.   

“There is a fantastic relationship between the Rooney family, Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL, Steelers fans and the United Way that has lasted for many decades,” said Bob Nelkin, President of the United Way of Allegheny County. “It’s helped children, people with disabilities, seniors and people who are struggling financially.

“It’s great that Steelers fans are so passionate and compassionate. They are making a real difference by supporting charities like the United Way.”

Coordinator’s Corner: Haley & LeBeau

Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley

Re: G David DeCastro’s progression:
I think it’s been a great story, other than the negative of getting hurt. The fact that the new rule was made kind of kept him alive, gave him something to work for and a goal. We didn’t know for sure whether he’d be able to make it back or not. It was a testament to him and the trainers for the hard work that he put in for a chunk of the season. To even get in a position to get out on the field, I think is terrific. Now that he’s been out here, I think every week he’s done a good job and got more and more comfortable with is feet under him and practicing football. We had pads on yesterday which was good, and he’s passed every test, so to speak.

Re: OT Max Starks’ impact and him being a rock on the offensive line this season:
Don’t jinx him. He’s been the rock for us over there. He’s got a great test this week against the rushers we’re going to see in DeMarcus [Ware] and Anthony [Spencer], and everybody they bring at you. Max has been a great re-addition for this team and for the offense. Now, we just have to get him ready to play his best game.

How did QB Ben Roethlisberger play on Sunday? Was there any rust he needed to knock off?
I think early on we knew that it was going to take him a little bit to get into the game, and I thought in the second half, we all felt comfortable that he was back to speed. It’s unfortunate we were in the situation we were in, but he had to get back out there and get back into it like everybody does when they’ve been out for a chunk of time. The good thing is he made it through with no setbacks. He’s having another good week of practice, and I expect him to be ready to go.

How did you feel about Roethlisberger scrambling and running the ball?
Once he was given a clean bill of health, we all felt good about that. I think it was more, for us as coaches, just getting him back into the speed of the game.

Have you ever had a situation where you have two rookies on one side of the offensive line with so little experience this late in the season?
I’d have to go back and look through the seasons but we’ve been in some pretty sticky situations. That’s kind of how this year has been for this group. I think it’s served us well in that we haven’t always performed the way that we’d like or up to our abilities. I do think that when some of the adversity that we’ve had to face through some of these injuries and changing, moving parts, that it’s forced the guys to become extra cohesive and look out for their own. We have to be ready, and this is a big game for us. It’s on the road against a team that has some premier pass rush guys. They know they need each other right now, and they’ve learned that over the year. It’s time to stick together and make good things happen.

What did you like from OT Kelvin Beachum coming out of training camp?
I think we were all excited from the start. We were excited when we drafted him and were able to get him where we did. You only have so many picks, and you’ve got a long list of guys that you’d love to have on the team, and he was one of them. When he was there and we were able to get him, I can remember clearly on draft day that there was some fist-pumping and high-fiving because we were able to get another guy that we wanted. He hasn’t disappointed. He’s a hard-working, nose to the grindstone type of kid that you don’t hear much out of, and he got his opportunity to play. He’s done a commendable job. He needs to get better like everybody else, but for a young guy being thrown to the wolves, he’s done a good job. He’ll be facing the ultimate test this week. Just like I said, these guys rushing outside in Dallas are the real deal.

If DeCastro hadn’t gotten hurt, would it have been close whether Beachum would have made the team?
That’s ancient history at this point. He’s somebody that’s done a good job from day one. Usually those guys that you know have a chance to make it and play, you find a way to keep them around one way or another.

Re: Having two rookies on the offensive line this week:
That’s what everybody keeps reminding me. My answer was that this whole season has been a challenge one way or another, as they always are. Obviously, some years you have a little more adversity and moving parts than others, and we seem to have had a bunch of moving parts. At times, we’ve handled it real well and other times not as well as we’d have liked to. With three games to go and going down to Dallas, another team that’s fighting to find their way into the tournament, we’re going to have to play our best game. It’s going to be all hands on deck. Whoever is on deck or is able to get on deck is going to be expected to go out and play good football. We’ve got to do some things to help guys all the time, so this will be no different from that standpoint.

Is it any more difficult with the rookies lining up next to each other on the offensive line?
The good thing is they came in together. Those guys that come in the same class tend to have good rapport right out of the gate. Obviously, they’re going to have to count on [Maurkice] Pouncey, David will. But they’re both smart guys, and Beachum has been in there now for a couple weeks. I don’t know who will be helping who but I know they’ll be communicating and they’ll be ready to go mentally and physically.

How much further along is Roethlisberger this week than he was at this time last week?
I think a great deal. The biggest part is just having that game under his belt after missing a significant amount of time. I think that we all knew going into last week that it might take a little time to kind of get up to the speed of the game. It did, and I think he probably would say the same thing, but he got comfortable as the game went on. Unfortunately we were in a situation we didn’t want to be in but he’s got a game under his belt. He’s been back to practice for a week, so I’d expect him to be ready to go.

Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau

How much will change on defense, considering the injuries to the defensive backs?
Hopefully, we have some quality depth. It’s a challenge for us. One thing is for sure, they aren’t going to cancel the game. We think we have a plan. We have some good people that will step in there and pick it up. The game is still about tackling, keying and knocking down passes. We are going to show up. We know we have a challenge but I feel these young guys are going to make something good out of it.

With this situation, does it give guys like Ryan Clark or Troy Polamalu more responsibility?
Only in a communicative sense, but they are great communicators. I don’t think it’s anything different for them. I will say from the coaching sessions, which began back in March, we tried to develop depth at every position, and we tried to teach these young players like they are going to be starting. We know someday they will be starting. This has happened before this year. Unfortunately, we got a couple hits at the same spot. Generally speaking, throughout the course of a season, this happens every year. It’s not a surprise that some of these guys are going to be starting and taking a significant amount of snaps. Hopefully they will be prepared and answer the challenge.

Do you ever scratch your head, thinking about all the injuries this season?
Not the injuries, but I do scratch my head every day [Laughs]. Injuries are a part of the game. If you look around the league, we are close here, because it’s our team. I think most teams go through an injury process throughout a 16-game season.

Re: Josh Victorian’s play last Sunday:
He made a play. I thought that he knew his assignments well. We have had him since training camp. He’s always impressed us as a playmaker. I think that he will make a good account of himself in there.

Re: Victorian said he thought he could have been more physical on the play he gave up a touchdown:
I thought he saw the ball well. He had his key well. Maybe he mistimed it a little bit. That’s the way I saw it. I didn’t see a lack of physicality in the play at all.

Do you see Curtis Brown factoring in this game?
We will need every one of them, without a doubt. They will all be playing.

Re: Getting back LaMarr Woodley:
For several years now, he has been one of the better pass rushers in the NFL. Whenever he is not in there, you are going to feel his loss with the pressure. When he is in there, you are going to pick up the rush. Add to that the fact that he’s so big, teams have a hard time blocking him to run the football. He has a lot of assets. We are happy to have him back.

Steelers to host Immaculate Reception event

Steelers’ fans can celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception with several special events on Saturday, Dec. 22.

The activities will begin at 4:15 p.m. with the unveiling of a historical marker designating the spot where the play occurred at Three Rivers Stadium, which is now part of the Stage AE Complex.

Following the unveiling fans can attend a special Immaculate Reception event being held at Stage AE from 6-10 p.m.

The event, which is free and open to the public and sponsored by ATI, will kick off with a video history of the Steelers, focusing on the Immaculate Reception as well as other key dates in team history.

Franco Harris, who made the catch that was dubbed the Immaculate Reception, will be on hand along with some of his teammates and will participate in an hour-long Immaculate Reception special that will be broadcast on KDKA-TV, presented by Coors Light.

Following the taping of the show House of Soul will perform.

Throughout the night 40 prizes will be given away to honor the 40^th anniversary, including items signed by Harris, and Harris medallions, holiday ornaments, pins and Steelers gift cards. In addition, five pairs of tickets to the Steelers-Bengals game on Sunday, Dec. 23, the actual date of the anniversary, will be given away.

DeCastro eager to play

Steelers guard David DeCastro doesn’t wear his emotions on his sleeve, but he is definitely eager to get back on the field this week, with the potential to start at right guard against the Dallas Cowboys.

“We believe that his health is at a level now that we can put him in and watch him prepare during the course of the week,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “If we like what we see, he may have an opportunity to play.”  

With left guard Willie Colon out after knee surgery, the Steelers could move right guard Ramon Foster into Colon’s spot and start DeCastro on the right side if he has a good week of practice.

“I am extremely eager,” said DeCastro. “That is what I have been working the past couple of months for. I have been injured, doing rehab, and you set a goal like this to get back out there and play.”

DeCastro saw limited action for the first time this season when he was on the extra point and field goal units against San Diego. While it was only a few snaps, for him just playing was a bonus after he has been out all season after suffering an MCL injury in the preseason. Now he is ready to take it to the next level.

“I definitely know the system,” said DeCastro. “It’s just a matter of getting back out there, first game, real live action. It’s a little different than practice. I feel great in practice and have only been out there the last couple of weeks and haven’t taken any steps back.

“It’s one of those things where I was getting comfortable every week. Every week has gotten a lot better, which is positive. It’s gotten better every week so it should keep going upwards.”

DeCastro, who will wear a knee brace on Sunday, said he feels confident and isn’t worried about how his knee will react in game action.

“After the last couple of weeks practicing you get more comfortable with it,” said DeCastro. “I feel confident in it. I am good.

“I might be a little nervous, but that is natural. It would be a problem if I wasn’t.”

* * *

Receiver Mike Wallace heard something at Heinz Field last week that he hasn’t heard since playing with the Steelers – fans booing him.

While Wallace caught two touchdown passes against the Chargers in a 34-24 loss, he also dropped a pass that brought on boos, but said it didn’t get him down.

“It’s not like I am surprised or upset, if I handled my business or did my part nothing would go on,” said Wallace. “There’s not too much to say about it. They have their right, people do whatever they want. Anything I do is going to be magnified. I just have to do what I need to do and don’t give anybody a reason to say anything. Whatever happens I take full responsibility for it.”

Wallace said he needs to “be a better player,” but there isn’t any lack of effort on his part.

“I know that and I work hard at it every single day. I would love to make every play. I just have to keep working at it.”

* * *

Cornerback Ike Taylor missed his first game since 2004 last week when the Steelers hosted the Chargers, something that was tough for him. And while he will miss this week’s game against the Cowboys as well, his hope is to get back on the field this year, but he couldn’t commit to anything.

“Right now it’s going really well,” said Taylor. “The process is going really fast. I wish I had a genie bottle. I wish I could make things happen fast, come back and give you a timetable. The process is going fast.”

Coach Tomlin on Mendenhall suspension

Steelers’ running back Rashard Mendenhall was suspended for this week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys and on Wednesday Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the suspension. Tomlin spoke about the suspension after practice, stating that Mendenhall did not attend the Steelers-Chargers game at Heinz Field last Sunday, but did not field any questions.

“Last Sunday, he was not at the game,” said Tomlin. “I deemed those actions a detriment to our efforts. I stated as such when I met with him that there were going to be repercussions with it. It was a good visit. He accepted it. He looks forward to coming back and rejoining his team on Monday and being a positive contributor to our efforts the rest of the way.

“Obviously there is frustration with his situation, understandably. But we all have a job to do. I require that all guys remain professional regardless of personal circumstances. He didn’t meet the standard in that regard, and he accepted the consequences of it. Hopefully this will be a lesson learned, not only for him but for everyone, and we will be able to move on from it. Right now, our focus is on the guys that are here and their preparation in an effort to pursue victory this weekend.”

Mendenhall was inactive for Ravens and Chargers games, and will not play for the third straight week because of the suspension.

Woodley practices, Harrison doesn’t

Linebacker LaMarr Woodley was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, with hopes of returning to action this week after missing the last two games with an ankle injury.

“I did everything today,” said Woodley. “I practiced the whole time from individuals to every team period. So I was out there the entire time.”

Woodley injured the ankle in the second quarter against Cleveland on Nov. 25, and missed the Baltimore and San Diego games.

“It’s always tough watching from the sideline, but when you’re on the sideline, you can do a lot,” said Woodley. “It’s almost like I was a player/coach. So when Jason Worilds was out there, I was telling him things that maybe I can see, what the offensive tackle was doing, just being out there helping one and other.”

While Woodley practiced, eight players sat out including tackles Mike Adams (ankle) and Willie Colon (knee) and cornerback Ike Taylor (ankle), all who have been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Also missing practice were cornerbacks Cortez Allen (groin) and Keenan Lewis (hip), linebacker James Harrison (illness), safety Troy Polamalu (not injury related), and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (shoulder).

Inside the locker room: Ben Roethlisberger

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger spoke with the media prior to practice on Wednesday.

Re: This weekend’s game against Dallas:
It’s a big one for us. As we know, and those of you know that have been around here, it’s all about when you get hot and when you start playing good football. For us, the time is now. We need to start playing our best and try to put together a little run here.

Re: Talk about the team not being ready against San Diego:
I didn’t see that from the people I was around. I sensed maybe a little bit of trying to get it energized and get it going a little bit. But I think everyone was ready to play. I don’t think it has been addressed this week. I think you’ll see from guys that have been around here a while, it’s that time where you’ll start seeing some leaders stepping up in the ways of how to practice and how to get ready for games. Hopefully, the young guys take some cues from that.

Do you think there is a sense of desperation now, especially with Cincinnati losing?
No. Every game for us right now is big, it doesn’t matter if it’s AFC-NFC, Cincinnati or whoever it is. This is a big one for us. We need to come out and play ball, and I don’t want to use the word desperation because I don’t feel desperate. I just think that we need to put it together and play ball the way we know how to play ball.

As the offensive captain, what do you say to RB Rashard Mendenhall?
Just like Coach Tomlin said this morning, we’ll let him address all that stuff.

Does this season feel like it is atypical from how things usually are and turning the corner on two wheels?
I think that’s a good way to put it, turning the corner on two wheels. But I think the turn is over. I think we’re going to settle back on four, kick it into four-wheel drive and get going.

What makes you think that?
Just a feel. Like I said, it’s that time of year that you’re going to start seeing some guys that have been around here, that you’re going to start seeing a different mindset and mentality that it’s that time of year. In years past, it just is a natural thing. No one has ever had to say it because you’ve had so many guys that have done it before for such a long time that this time of year it’s a natural thing and it’s time to pick it up and go. We’re going to have some veteran guys starting to do that and like I said, we’ve got to get the young guys to do the same.

Is that an unspoken thing?
It has been since I’ve been around here and we’re going to try and keep it that way.

Re: Trying to find a rhythm last game:
I don’t know if the rhythm, or lack thereof, last week had anything to do with injury. I think I did come out a little anxious, a little rusty, but we just couldn’t put it together. From one phase of offense, one position, on any particular play, it wasn’t like we had any two positions doing the right thing. It was one of those funky things, and I think we’ve got it corrected.

Re: Dallas linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer:
They’re very good. Their defensive line, in general, is very good. It’s kind of where it starts for them. We consider them defensive linemen. They get after it. We’re going to have to put a special emphasis on blocking them and trying to take advantage down the field if we can block those guys.

Ware and Spencer bounce around from side to side, correct?
Yes. There’s no way to know exactly where they’re going to line up on any particular play.

Are you confident in G David DeCastro if he gets the start?
I’m always confident in the guys, no matter who it is. We’ll get a good look today because we’ll have some pads on and him knowing that he’s going to be in there and be the guy, I think he may have a different mindset and mentality than he’s had in previous weeks, where it’s been more feeling himself out and how his leg feels out there. Now, he has no choice. He’s going to have to be ready to go so I think today and tomorrow will be a big step to see where he is.

Re: Dallas QB Tony Romo being a high-profile quarterback:
He plays for “America’s Team,” right? [Laughs] I think the Steelers are the world’s team. We just want to go beat them.

Was there any thought of coming out of the game on Sunday once the score became lopsided?
Not that I know of. And if Coach [Tomlin] would have said something to me I would have told him, “No.” Doesn’t mean I still wouldn’t have been out, but I would not have wanted to come out, no matter what the score was. That’s just not me.

Those reps helped you knock the rust off, right?
Yeah, why not? I want to be out there. I never want to quit.

How did the jacket you wore to protect your ribs work?
I didn’t even wear anything different, other than I had a little bit of padding on the outside of my shoulder pads and that was little bulky, so I took it off.

How do you feel after a couple days removed from the game?
Normal Wednesday. No major setbacks so I actually feel pretty good.

Is there any concern that WR Mike Wallace’s confidence is shaken at all?
No. None whatsoever. I’ve got all the confidence in the world in Mike. He’s got it in himself and we all have it in him that he’s going to come out and be great. There was never a second thought in my mind about it.

Did you guys talk after the first half?
I kind of unloaded. I laid into the whole offense, not just Wallace. I think we all deserved to get booed, which I feel like we did.

Re: Playing in Dallas against the Cowboys and not the Packers:
I just got done talking with the Dallas media and they asked me about my memories of that place. I said I don’t have any, and I don’t remember any.

Did you put that Super Bowl out of your head?
Yeah, that’s right.

Re: Your first trip to Dallas earlier in your career:
That was a long time ago. I was talking about that. That’s the old stadium and that seems like a long time ago. That was the last time we played in Dallas.

Re: Getting WR Plaxico Burress his first catch and his role moving forward:
It was really cool to get him the ball. I knew that play when we called it, we practiced it during the week, and I was about 98% sure I was going to him no matter what. I kind of forced it into some traffic but in typical fashion, he goes up and makes a play, gets hit and gets up. It was really neat for me. It was a nostalgic type of thing and for the crowd to cheer for him, I really enjoyed it. We’ll see about using him as we keep going. I would like to. I think he’s a great target and asset to this team.

Is that the type of play that only works once?
No, not necessarily because we have other options. But it worked out pretty well that time.

Do you think Burress is ready for a bigger role?
I do. I think he’s been putting a lot of extra time in and work on getting himself ready and prepared and understanding this offense. I do think he’s ready to expand his role.

Are you still talking to Bruce Arians?
Yep.

What is about Arians that allows him to communicate so well with young quarterbacks?
He’s a player’s coach. I talked to some of the other Colts’ players and they really enjoy playing for him. They respect him. They’ve got something special going on over there. It’s really neat to see with Coach [Chuck] Pagano and all of the stuff they’re going through.

Are you still playing for a player’s coach or is the style different?
Oh yeah. I think we are. Absolutely.

Steelers, Cowboys Social Showdown

One of the most storied rivalries in the NFL has now spilled over into social media. The Steelers and Dallas Cowboys kicked off their #SocialShowdown today, pitting the two teams against each other in the social media landscape. 

The winner is determined by the team that accumulates the most combined Twitter followers and Facebook Likes between now and the end of their game on Sunday, Dec. 16 at Cowboys Stadium. 

Fans are encouraged to follow @steelers on Twitter and Like the Steelers Facebook page, as well as encourage others to do the same by sharing the showdown on their Facebook walls or Tweeting for their team. Both can be done by visiting the #SocialShowdown page.