Battle for Pittsburgh Steelers Left Tackle Position is Beginning to Take Shape
After a string of unfortunate injuries to the Pittsburgh Steelers thus far, there is finally something good to see on the horizon. No, Mike Wallace hasn’t returned to the team yet, but rookie offensive tackle Mike Adams is back at practice.
Adams participated in full pads with the team today. This is coming six days after he sprained his right knee versus the Philadelphia Eagles in the first preseason game of the year.
In addition, veteran left tackle Max Starks will practice with the team in full pads for the first time on Friday. Starks was just activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Tuesday.
It’s safe to say that Starks won’t play in Sunday night’s preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, but it is still uncertain whether Adams will participate in Sunday’s game.
As of right now, second-year offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert is slated to start at left tackle in Pittsburgh’s second preseason game. If all goes well between Adams and Starks, Gilbert will be able to go back to his rightful spot at right tackle for the final two preseason games.
Hopefully, Adams and Starks can stay healthy enough throughout the remainder of the preseason so that head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Todd Haley can get a clear indication of who should start at left tackle come Week 1 versus the Denver Broncos.
The battle for this starting spot will benefit Adams, who has struggled thus far in training camp and in the first preseason game. While battling a seasoned veteran like Starks, Adams can learn some tricks of the trade.
I think that the Steelers will be better off starting Starks so that Adams can get his feet beneath him as a professional. In trying to protect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, experience is the best thing to protect the face of the franchise’s blindside.
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