No LaMarr Woodley. No James Farrior. No James Harrison.

[edpowed]

Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, whose bag is full of tricks and treats, may have to pull many of them out this week.It's not a good time to be losing your best linebackers when the Baltimore Ravens come to Heinz Field for a rematch and perhaps the showdown that ultimately will determine the AFC North Division champion.They have several options available:

• Versatile end Brett Keisel could move to linebacker with rookie Cameron Heyward taking his spot at end.

• They could turn to a six-man secondary, which they used often against New England.

• They could form a four-man line of tackles Casey Hampton and Chris Hoke/Steve McClendon and ends Keisel and Ziggy Hood and play a 4-3 defense with Foote at inside linebacker and Timmons and somebody on the outside.

"Or 4-2," Tomlin suggested. "Or one of the many variations we have. We are very multiple defensively, usually in response to offensive packages, but, sometimes, your personnel may dictate otherwise.

"I am just saying that, at this juncture, we are open to all potential possibilities in terms of dealing with our situations and that we are not going to go grasping at straws outside of our building in terms of addressing it."

Some other updates:

• Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders is dealing with his mother's death and a left knee injury from the game Sunday. Tomlin said the team will evaluate his knee "at some point."

• Wide receiver Hines Ward should return to practice Wednesday after missing his first game since 2007 with a sprained ankle.

• Hoke, who has missed the past two games with a "stinger," will be limited in practice.

• Tomlin did not include on his injury list three players he said were hurt Sunday: cornerbacks Ike Taylor (shoulder, stinger) and Keenan Lewis (shoulder) and offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle).

Quick hits
• After Woodley was hurt Sunday, Timmons moved from right outside linebacker to left, and Carter entered and played on the right. A series later, it was Timmons back in his spot on the right side and Carter on the left.

"Chris Carter was going to be uncomfortable regardless, so you might as well make Lawrence comfortable; [that] was the thought process there," Tomlin said.

• William Gay has started the past seven games at left cornerback, replacing Bryant McFadden after the opener. For the first time, the Steelers official depth chart reflects that, listing Gay as the starter after showing McFadden there for eight games.

• Baltimore's defense leads the NFL in fewest yards allowed, and the Steelers are No. 2. Nevertheless, Tomlin did not think the two were close.

"I am not ready to, at least, put us in the conversation with the Ravens defense," Tomlin said.

"We are not even close to doing what they are doing right now. Maybe statistically, but the way they are generating splash plays sets them apart."

Sunday

• Game: Steelers (6-2) vs. Baltimore Ravens (5-2), Heinz Field.

• When: 8:20 p.m.

• Line: Steelers by 3.

[Sweetleaf22]

Harrison i think, will play.


He was cleared to practice. He practiced with the first team, if he has no setbacks he should play. Otherwise they would have him practice with the second team D and Chris Carter OR Jason Adjepong Worilds would be lined up 1st team, which was not the case.

[edpowed]

Originally Posted by Sweetleaf22

Harrison i think, will play.


He was cleared to practice. He practiced with the first team, if he has no setbacks he should play. Otherwise they would have him practice with the second team D and Chris Carter OR Jason Adjepong Worilds would be lined up 1st team, which was not the case.

he (harrison) was cleared for practice but not for contact,precautions against infection,i hope he does play but i dont think so,ty for the reply and gl to you sir................ed

[Sweetleaf22]

Originally Posted by edpowed

he (harrison) was cleared for practice but not for contact,precautions against infection,i hope he does play but i dont think so,ty for the reply and gl to you sir................ed

yeah, well Harrison had helmet to helmet contact in practice today. He had a great practice and did everything However he still needs to pass a scan on friday.

I also expect Farrior to play, he was ripping the reports on Him!

[Sweetleaf22]

Pro Bowl outside linebacker James Harrison will visit the doctor Saturday and, if all goes well, will start.

[tw burke]

harrison will play

[LadyDawn]

add lil payback toravensfor 1st matchup when up by 20 points early decided to rub it in steelers fce by going for a 2 point conversion !

Steelers gain div lead Beat the piss out of ravens will keep scoring no matter what

final score will be steelers 24 ravens 17