O-line Concerns; Diesel Locked Down

Defensive stalwart Brett Keisel inked a 5-year deal yesterday, further solidifying an already impressive defensive front for the Steelers in the coming years. In addition to hoping around on the sidelines prior to opening kickoffs, Keisel is one of Roethlisberger's closest friends and confidants on the squad. So while the length of the contract is a little long for my liking, it adds much value. It also means Ryan Clark, whose contract status is up at the end of this year, is likely to have to wait to see how things shake out, as we all know the Rooneys don't deal during the season.

On the other side of the ball, it looks like Dr. Bradley's work on Darnell Stapleton's knee isn't going to hold up - he's headed to the IR, out for the season. Trai Essex will "slide" or perhaps be bull-rushed into the right guard role. Stapleton was serviceable last year, especially down the playoff stretch. And, of course, this further calls in to question the viability of our O-line and makes it likely rookies A.Q. Shipley and Kraig Urbik will see larger chunks of time with the first team O. It will be intersting to see how this affects Tomlin's decisions in getting the squad down to the 53-man roster. Whatever the case, it looks like we're in for another season-long bout of breathe-holding.