The Continuing Saga Of The Pittsburgh Steelers' Offensive Line

This subject has already been beaten up lately and I apologize if you find it some what repetitive. I am not going to write anything unkindly about any of the remaining Steeler's O line starters. Because I don't want to jinx the players, I do not want to write anything that will create questionable comments. Last month I wrote an article and mentioned that the Steelers best tackle Willie Colon might be on the roster bubble. I really didn't mean it. I just wanted to get some informed opinions on Colon's play at right tackle. Now it might come true. We may have seen the last of Willie Colon in the black and gold.

If Colon recovers from his injury in time before his contract is up in March of 2011, the Steelers will bring him in, have the med staff examine him, and work him out. Then it will be up to the doctors, Colon, and the Steelers as to what happens after that.

There were 14 O linemen coming to training camp, now there are 12. Two have been lost to injury. Eight or nine Offensive linemen will make the 53 man roster. We are pretty sure who  seven of them will be.  In alphabetical order they are: Essex, Foster, Kemoeatu, Pouncey, J. Scott, Starks, and Urbik.

No. 8 and 9 are question marks for me? No. 8 will be one of the centers. But will it be  Hartwig or Legurskey? I think if Legurskey can do well enough in camp and preseason, he could become the interim center and a back up C/G after Pouncey takes over in 2011.

I would like to see the Steelers cut Hartwig before the final roster must be turned in. I doubt if Legurskey could be any worse than Hartwig. Oops, I said something bad about Hartwig. I know there is no salary cap this year, but cutting Hartwig would free up a good bit of cash. That could be used if a decent offensive tackle should be put on waivers when teams make their final roster cuts. Right now there are serveral decent UFA offensive guards available, but no UFA offensive tackles worth talking about.

Pittsburgh's other O line man RFA Guard Dorian Brooks may at least make the practice squad since the fifth round draft pick G/T Chris Scott will be out do to injury until at least October or longer if put on IR instead of the PUP list. I don't think the Steelers will make that decision until final rosters have to be in, unless they sign an offensive lineman before that juncture.

At the moment Pittsburgh like most teams are short on offensive tackles.The Steelers only have an under achieving Tony Hills and rookie Kyle Jolly who may not even be good enough to make the practice squad. So the No. 9 spot is up for grabs. If they cut Hartwig it could go to Hills by default. If they keep Hartwig it will most likely come down to either Hills or Legurskey.

Whoever is in the No. 9 spot could still get cut. His job may depend on if an OT worth claiming, is put on waivers at the last minute from other teams roster cuts.