Steelers set for lineup changes
Mike Tomlin
Rookie defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt could see more action for the Steelers’ struggling defense.
Rookie Martavis Bryant could see more snaps in the red zone for the Steelers.
PITTSBURGH – Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is finally talking about playing the rookies for a change.
Not that Tomlin has been opposed to playing rookies. Ryan Shazier started at inside linebacker for the Steelers this season, and Jarvis Jones and Le’Veon Bell were certainly a big part of the team’s plans last year.
The change in this case is one the Steelers hope brings a new course to an up-and-down season that has produced a 3-3 record.
On the heels of an embarrassing 31-10 loss Sunday at Cleveland, Tomlin said he’s willing to look at all options for the Steelers as they prepare to host the Houston Texans (3-3) Monday night at Heinz Field.
“For us, moving forward, we have to put ourselves into a position where we make more plans,” Tomlin said. “We need to look critically at what we’re doing. We need to look critically at who we are doing it with. We’re open to all of those things this week. Those are some of the discussions we’re going to have this week as we prepare for Houston. We’re going to turn over all the stones to produce more playmaking, and in particular, more situational playmaking.”
Two of the changes are born out of necessity. With nose tackle Steve McLendon out for Monday’s game with a shoulder injury suffered against the Browns, rookie defensive linemen Stephon Tuitt and Daniel McCullers will be forced into action.
Tuitt, a second-round pick in this year’s draft, has been active for each game but has played just 67 snaps, making two tackles. With McLendon out for much of the second half against the Browns, Tuitt saw his most extensive playing time, getting 18 snaps and producing one tackle.
McCullers, who at 6-7 and 352 pounds is the largest player on the roster, was a sixth-round draft pick. He has been inactive this season, but could get the start over struggling Cam Thomas, who did not play well at nose tackle after replacing McLendon.
McCullers might not be the only rookie activated for the first time this season. Wide receiver Martavis Bryant, a fourth-round selection, could see his first action of the season against Houston to help revive an offense that has struggled scoring touchdowns from inside the 20-yard line.
The Steelers have scored one touchdown in their past seven trips inside the opposing 20 and are 7 of 19 in those situations this season. The 6-4, 211-pound Bryant could give quarterback Ben Roethlisberger a bigger target to use in those situations.
The Steelers haven’t used Bryant because he’s not a core member of their special teams units. Veteran Darrius Heyward-Bey is and has been active.
Heyward-Bey has one reception for no yards and has yet to make a tackle on special teams.
“It helps … if he is (a special teams contributor), but it’s not a single prerequisite,” Tomlin said. “And given some of the things that happened in the red zone and our lack of execution in situational football, we’ll explore the possibility of utilizing him this week.”
Tomlin also said cornerback Brice McCain, who returned an interception for a touchdown two weeks ago at Jacksonville, might be considered for additional playing time over Cortez Allen.
“Not only is his play deserving of consideration, but under the circumstances (and) because of some of the inconsistent play of others, he’s under consideration for more playing time,” said Tomlin.
While some new faces might be in place this week, the Steelers won’t change how they attack the Texans on offense or defense.
Tomlin still believes in that process, despite the Steelers’ 3-3 record.
“Right now, it’s not sweeping or drastic changes in terms of who and what we are schematically,” Tomlin said. “But I will look at who we’re utilizing and where, particularly situationally in all three phases, in an effort to maximize the capability of guys and to adjust the mix of guys we’re playing right now.
“But those are just the normal adjustments you make over the course of this journey, and we’d probably be doing those things week to week regardless of the outcome of football games.”
Cornerback Ike Taylor will miss his fourth consecutive game with a broken arm. … Tomlin said Shazier, who has missed the past three games with a sprained knee, might be ready to return this week. … Defensive end Brett Keisel (knee) and safety Mike Mitchell (knee) are questionable. Neither will practice early in the week. … Defensive end Cameron Heyward, who left against Cleveland with a knee injury but later returned, will play this week.