With it looking like veteran defensive end Brett Keisel will be lost for the remainder of the season due to a torn triceps suffered Sunday in the 35-32 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have no choice but to let rookie Stephon Tuitt play more snaps in their final four games. In addition to that, they will also have to decide what to do with Keisel’s roster spot, assuming he will be placed on injured reserve.
Assuming that nose tackle Steve McLendon will be able return to the field next Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers might decide to give Keisel’s roster spot to linebacker Jarvis Jones, who has been on the injured reserve list with the designated to return tag ever since he suffered a dislocated wrist back in Week 3.
Jones resumed practicing just last week and if he’s not ready to start contributing, Keisel’s roster spot might just go to rookie undrafted defensive end Ethan Hemer, who is currently on their 10-man practice squad. The Steelers also have defensive end Joe Kruger on their practice squad.
In the month of November, the Steelers lost two young practice squad defensive ends to other teams as Josh Mauro and Nick Williams were both signed away by the Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs respectively.
The Steelers generally only like to dress five defensive lineman for games, so McLendon’s status for Week 14 will likely dictate what happens with Keisel’s roster spot.
Regardless, a roster move should take place sometime Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.
