Steelers LB Woodley nearing return
LaMarr Woodley is ready to get back to work. The Pittsburgh
Steelers outside linebacker will play on Sunday against Miami after
missing three weeks with a left calf strain.
And Woodley expects to be back in his usual spot on the left
side of Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense. Jason Worilds, who played very
well on the left side in Woodley’s absence, will move back to the
right.
Worilds likely will see time on both sides when rookie Jarvis
Jones rotates into the game. Woodley might even play a bit on the
right.
”I’ll be starting on the left, but we’ll see what happens
during the game as far as rotating and things like that,” Woodley
said Friday. ”(But) I’ll be starting. … It was my third day of a
full (practice), so I’m feeling great.”
Worilds has come on strong since replacing Woodley and leads the
Steelers with six sacks and 23 quarterback pressures.
”I’ll start on the right, but I’ve played both the left and
right sides this week,” Worilds said. ”I’ve done really well on
the left lately, but it doesn’t matter to me. Wherever they need me
to play to help the team, that’s what I’ll do.”
Defensive end Brett Keisel had a setback after starting in
Baltimore and playing eight snaps, and he is out this week for the
third full game with a left foot injury. Left tackle Kelvin Beachum
was limited Friday and is listed as doubtful, but said he won’t
play.
Beachum will be replaced by Mike Adams, who began the season as
the starting left tackle but was benched in October due to poor
play. Adams is eager for a shot at redemption.
”I look forward to stepping in and helping my guys out,” Adams
said. ”I’ve had a lot of time to work on fundamentals, footwork
and stuff like that, to improve stuff like that. I’ve definitely
had a long while to work at it. It’s not really about changing
things, it’s about improving things, just being more consistent,
especially with my feet and hands. That’s what we’ve worked hard on
every day, to just get better at what you do every day, every
play.”
Right guard David DeCastro injured a foot against the Ravens. He
was a full participant in practice Friday and is listed as
probable, along with Adams, Woodley and running back Le’Veon Bell
(concussion).
”I just needed a little rest, but I practiced today and should
be ready to go for the game,” DeCastro said. ”With me and Ramon
(Foster) being in there, I think that makes it easier for Cody (new
center Wallace). But he’s been here for a while, too, so he’ll be
all right. And we’ll help Cody make the calls, which is what we’ve
been doing since the season began. That way, we can all be on the
same page.
”I feel good. I feel strong, and I’m ready to go.”
Nose tackle Steve McLendon (ankle) was limited in practice
Friday and is listed as questionable. But McLendon said he felt
good and believed he would start. If he can’t play, Al Woods should
get the start, as he did at Baltimore. Woods also replaced McLendon
after he was injured at Cleveland.
The Steelers (5-7) try to keep their flickering playoff hopes
alive against Miami (6-6).
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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org