National Football League

New Steelers OL Brown comfortable in Pittsburgh

Published Oct. 7, 2013 10:33 p.m. ET

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It's not exactly a homecoming for Levi Brown, but when the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired the massive offensive tackle in a trade with Arizona, he wasn't necessarily coming to unfamiliar surroundings.

A seven-year veteran, and the fifth overall selection by the Cardinals in 2007, Brown played at Penn State and worked for Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley when he held that same role at Arizona.

''I'm definitely glad to come out here and get a fresh start,'' the 6-foot-6, 324-pound Brown said Monday after his first practice. ''(And) I welcome the change of scenery, (but) I've been here before. Pennsylvania is not new to me, but it's definitely a change of atmosphere, as far as the team is concerned. So, I'm excited and ready to go out here and help turn this thing around.''

Pittsburgh (0-4) will take on the New York Jets Sunday.

The Steelers are coming off a bye, so Brown has had some time to get comfortable.

''I'm a veteran, and they have a lot of young guys at the tackle position.'' Brown said. ''So, I'll try to teach them what I've learned over the years. The good things, bad things and what to expect. Things don't always go your way, but you just have to fight through it. You're good enough to play if you're here. So, you just need to fight through those tough things and roll with it.

Brown is signed through 2016. He has 79 career starts, though he missed all of last season with a torn biceps.

''I don't know how it's going to go right now, but they had me splitting time today at the tackle position. Obviously, I have some terminology to learn, as far as the playbook is concerned, but once I've learned those things and they feel like I'm up to speed I'm sure they'll make a decision one way or another,'' he said. ''I'm here to help out in any way that I can.''

Brown started four games this season for Arizona. He spent Thursday and Friday with offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr., as well as a few players, extensively going over the playbook.

''He's a smart guy, and you can tell that he's athletic, a humble guy,'' Steelers left guard Ramon Foster said. ''I'm ready to see him work with some pads on this Wednesday.''

Foster is eager to suit up in pads himself, as he recovers from a left pectoral injury. He first was injured against Chicago, and aggravated it against Minnesota in London.

''Pain tolerance is the key for me, because you can't really do anything or wear anything to protect it,'' Foster said. ''We've got to be very special with an injury like this. You don't want to make it worse, but it has responded with the stuff I've already done. So, we'll see how I progress to get ready for Sunday.''

Foster went through individual workouts, but no team drills.

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NOTES: Foster used the bye week to return to Ripley High in Tennessee where his No. 77 jersey was retired. ... Rookie wideout Markus Wheaton said his broken right pinky finger is broken, and he will be out this week. He is scheduled to meet with doctors, and once his stitches are removed, he could practice and possibly play against Baltimore Oct. 20. ... Rookie running back Le'Veon Bell said his right foot was sore after the game in London, but he has not had any setbacks. Bell said he will play Sunday.

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AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org

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