Steelers vs. 49ers: 4 Rookies in the Spotlight on Monday Night Football

Although both teams have already clinched playoff spots, the Monday night game between the Steelers and 49ers in San Francisco has some serious playoff implications.

Thanks to the Ravens losing, the Steelers have a shot at the AFC's No. 1 seed and the 49ers are still alive to get a bye week in the NFC. Well, it's a big stage for both teams at Candlestick Park, and some rookies will need to step up.

So, here are four new guys to look for in Week 15's Monday night game.

Cameron Heyward: DE, Steelers

In an article by The Sports Network on Fox News, it's clear the Steelers will be without LB James Harrison:

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"Harrison, on the other hand, has no chance of suiting up after the NFL upheld its ban on the hard-hitting defender on Friday for his helmet-to-helmet shot on McCoy. The 2008 Defensive Player of the Year was fined four times by the league last season for violations of safety rules."

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So with that said, players like rookie DE Cameron Heyward will need to step up if Pittsburgh wants to shutdown the 49ers rushing attack, while also getting pressure on QB Alex Smith.

It's no surprise that Heyward has seen just limited time this season since Pittsburgh has so much defensive depth and talent. In this game, however, Heyward must step up.

With having limited playing time in 2011, Heyward has recorded just eight tackles (one sack), one forced fumble, and has a blocked kick. Therefore, he's proven to be rather effective when given the opportunity.

And much like the Ravens did against San Fran, getting pressure on Alex Smith is crucial. Well, some of that burden will be put on Heyward, so it'll be interesting to see if he steps up to the plate.

Kendall Hunter: RB, 49ers

Without a doubt RB Frank Gore is San Francisco's main Brahma Bull. 

However, backup RB Kendall Hunter's third down dynamics will be needed against The Steel Curtain. Hunter has accounted for 471 total yards, two TDs, and had one 100-total yard game (Week 4 at Philadelphia).

His change of pace utilization skills will be necessary to keep the Steelers defense honest and provide pass protection for Alex Smith. Also, look for some designed screens and check-downs to get Hunter involved early on to shun Pittsburgh from continually blitzing.

When Gore is in the backfield, it's a running play more often than not, but with Hunter it could be either. His presence as a dual-threat RB is vital to Frisco controlling the clock and not turning the ball over.

Pittsburgh's defense is very disciplined and physical. In order to minimize their aggression and use that against them, a player like Hunter can do so by leaking out of the backfield on delayed routes and take some pressure of Gore in terms of production in the running game.

In order to beat the Steelers, establishing the rock on the ground is imperative.

Marcus Gilbert: OT, Steelers

On the year the Pittsburgh Steelers have given up 37 sacks in 13 games which ranks No. 9 in the NFL. And with a banged up Ben Roethlisberger, the San Francisco pass rush will definitely be licking their chops on Monday night.

In turn, that puts more pressure and responsibility on Steelers rookie OT Marcus Gilbert.

Gilbert is a solid pass-protector for Big Ben's non-blindside, however, since Roethlisberger's mobility won't be normal, he will get pressurized early and often.

Therefore, Gilbert must have one of his best games plain and simple. Expect Frisco to blitz from Gilbert's side as much as possible to attack the rookie as he is the most inexperienced lineman for Pittsburgh.

Anytime you have a rookie tackle up against stud pass-rushers like Justin Smith, Ray McDonald, and/or Aldon Smith (also a rookie), it's a definite challenge. To this point though, Gilbert has only allowed six sacks which isn't bad for a rookie.

Nonetheless, he will be battle tested so be sure to watch and see if Gilbert can manage a barrage of blitzes for 60 minutes.

Aldon Smith: LB, 49ers

The San Francisco sack-master, 49ers rookie LB Aldon Smith has recorded 10.5 sacks this season along with two forced fumbles and four pass deflects.

Against the Steelers on Monday night, don't expect anything less than pressure from Smith to prevent Pittsburgh's pass game from having any time to develop. Their ground game will get shutdown by the 49ers stellar run defense, so it comes down to pass-rushers versus pass-protectors.

Smith is the 49ers best man for the job to chase down Roethlisberger as well as blow by any of their offensive lineman. Smith may also have just 27 tackles this season, but since he's primarily used as a pass-rusher, the tackle numbers will be low.

That being said, his experience this season in defending against the run is more vulnerable, so don't be surprised if Pittsburgh runs the ball toward him. He may be a solid blitzer, but to become a complete player he must learn how to defend the run to his side.

This game will challenge that aspect, hence, we will see Aldon Smith either grow up before our eyes, or have some rookie mishaps which will only reveal something to work on this offseason.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27