Some more news concerning the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line today as Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports via Twitter that veteran offensive lineman Trai Essex will get a shot to compete for the left tackle position against rookie second round draft pick Mike Adams and veteran Jonathan Scott.
Essex, who was re-signed prior to the draft, has played all five positions on the offensive line since being drafted by the Steelers in the 3rd round of the 2005 NFL draft. Essex was an unrestricted free agent heading into this offseason.
This announcement pretty much backs up the report by Ed Bouchette earlier this week that said second year tackle Marcus Gilbert will now remain at the right tackle spot where he played the majority of his rookie season after Willie Colon went down for the season with a torn triceps against the Baltimore Ravens in week one. It was announced earlier this week that Colon has been moved to left guard permanently.
When the Steelers report for their first OTA session next week, the starting offensive line from left to right could very well be Scott, Colon, Maurkice Pouncey, Ramon Foster and Gilbert as Kaboly also reported on Twitter Friday afternoon that both Adams and first round pick David DeCastro are not permitted to take part in any of the Steelers 10 OTA practices because of school graduation requirements.
Scott was the week one starter for the Steelers last season at left tackle and Foster assumed the right guard spot after starter Doug Legursky injured his shoulder in the week three game against the Indianapolis Colts. Scott was quickly hooked from left tackle when the Steelers re-signed Max Starks following the Steelers loss to the Houston Texans in week four. Starks started the remainder of the season at left tackle.
