Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin held his usual Tuesday press conference on the South Side in preparation for the Sunday game at home versus the Dallas Cowboys.
Tomlin opened with stating the team needed to improve in two areas after watching the Patriots game tape. Tomlin noted red zone efficiency needs to improve for the offense and they need to start putting 7 points on the board instead of field goals. Secondly, Tomlin noted that the post snap penalties need to stop and need to be corrected.
Tomlin did his usual praise of the opposition, calling Cowboys running back Marion Barber a violent runner and naming linebacker DeMarcus Ware the best pass rusher the Steelers will see all year.
Injury wise, Tomlin said it is as good as it can be coming out of the Patriots game. Defensive end Brett Keisel will be out again this week with a MCL knee sprain and termed week to week. Cornerback Bryant McFadden has a good chance to return this week and was very close last week as he recovers from a broken forearm. Running back Willie Parker continues to improve health wise, but is still not 100%. Parker should be good to on Sunday and likely will continue to share carries with Mewelde Moore. Linebacker James Harrison is fine after being injured on the field goal attempt just before half time against the Patriots. Tackle Marvel Smith is still out with a back injury and still termed status quo injury wise. Defensive end Travis Kirschke was the only new injury reported by Tomlin and is suffering from back spasms. He will be monitored throughout the week, but does not seem in jeopardy of missing the game on Sunday.
