With Cortez Allen already ruled out and Curtis Brown listed as doubtful for the Monday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers might be forced to promote cornerback Isaiah Green from the practice squad on Sunday.
Allen, who suffered a sprained ankle in the season opener last Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, was unable to practice this past week while Brown has an illness of some sorts that led to him sitting out Thursday’s practice and being limited during Saturday’s session.
The Steelers will start William Gay opposite Ike Taylor Monday night with Allen out and rookie safety Shamarko Thomas is expected to assume the nickel slot role when the defense utilizes its sub package.
With Brown likely being down, the Steelers will almost certainly dress defensive back Antwon Blake, who they acquired off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars after the final round of cuts took place, to help Monday night on special teams. Blake, however, likely hasn’t gotten up to speed with the Steelers defense just yet, so the addition of Green from the practice squad will be needed to add depth at the cornerback position.
If indeed the Steelers do promote Green from the practice squad, they will need to waive or release a player to make room for him. Being as kicker Shaun Suisham is listed as probable for the game, it could mean that kicker Shayne Graham, who was signed this past Monday, might be let go to make room for Green.
If the Steelers decide to dress both Suisham and Graham for the game Monday night just as a precaution, then rookie linebacker Terence Garvin might be the player waived to accommodate the addition of Green.
The Steelers will likely leave for Cincinnati around or just after lunchtime, so we should know by then whether or not a roster move has been made.
