Keisel on track to start Sunday

[mesaSteeler]

Keisel on track to start Sunday
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/print_711033.html
By Scott Brown
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, November 26, 2010

» Defensive end Brett Keisel again practiced Thursday and is on track to start Sunday in Buffalo. Keisel, who has missed four games since the middle of October because of a hamstring injury, has participated fully in practice the past two days. Tight end Matt Spaeth returned to practice yesterday after sitting out Wednesday because of a concussion. Strong safety Troy Polamalu (Achilles) and wide receiver Antonio Brown (knee) each missed practice for a second consecutive day. Brown, who is battling swelling in his knee, probably won't dress Sunday.

» Steve Johnson has the attention of Steelers free safety Ryan Clark and not just because the Bills wide receiver has caught 52 passes for 728 yards and nine touchdowns. After scoring a touchdown last week in Cincinnati, Johnson lifted his jersey to reveal a quote -- "Why so serious?" -- that he had written on his undershirt. It is what the Joker said in the blockbuster Batman movie, "The Dark Knight." And it was presumably a good-natured dig at Bengals wide receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, who have referred to themselves as Batman and Robin. "I loved it," Clark said. "It means the game's not too big for him. He's not scared to be himself and go out and have a good time. Those are the type of guys that are good for the game of football, so I'm excited to play against him."

» Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians may have actually one-upped coach Mike Tomlin when it comes to heaping praise on the opposition. When asked about the Bills' defensive backs yesterday, Arians said, "This might be the best secondary we've ever seen. They can play." The Bills are ninth in the NFL in passing defense (208.9 yards per game), but they have the fewest interceptions (four) of any team in the league.

Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.

[mesaSteeler]

Steelers Notebook: Keisel passes tests, ready for Bills
Friday, November 26, 2010
By Bill Brink, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10330/1106211-66.stm

Defensive end Brett Keisel said his hamstring is healed, and he is ready for the game Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

"I feel good. I got two zeros, man, and a one," he said, referring to his 100 percent health. "I'm chomping at the bit to get back out there."

The hamstring kept him out of most of the past five games. He returned Nov. 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but reinjured the hamstring in the game.

"I think he's ready to go, definitely," defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said. "The training staff gave him the OK to practice and he's practiced all week, I don't think he missed a snap."

Keisel was injured one game before Aaron Smith tore a triceps tendon against the Miami Dolphins Oct. 24, meaning Nick Eason and Ziggy Hood have played at end recently. While recovering, Keisel helped them, especially Hood, a second-year player, with the intricacies of the position.

"Just help them watch tape, help them look at the offensive lineman's stance -- any little tendency that you can get when you're on the field that can help you play faster and quicker, helps," Keisel said.

The toughest part about his recovery was regaining leg strength. It felt good at times, he said, but wasn't strong enough to return to play.

"The biggest thing was getting in the weight room, getting it strong, making sure I can do the movements that you have to do when you're out there battling," he said. "We've done all that, we have set goals and we've made our goals."

Keisel's return, LeBeau said, adds height and speed to the defensive line. Keisel can block passes at the line of scrimmage and chase down ball-carriers that other defensive linemen can't catch.

"He's a tremendous athlete," LeBeau said. "He's probably, athletically speaking for a defensive end, as good as anybody in the league."
With or without you

The line played equally well against the run with and without Keisel. In the five games in which he played extensively, opponents ran for 63.8 yards per game and two touchdowns. In the past five, where he played only sparingly in one game, opponents gained 62.4 rushing yards per game with two touchdowns.
Busy Sunday

Keisel's wife, Sarah, had their second child, Grace, Sunday. "The boys gave her a great welcoming present to the world by pounding the [Oakland] Raiders," Keisel said.
Injury update

Safety Troy Polamalu (ankle) and receiver Antonio Brown (knee) did not practice Thursday. Tight end Matt Spaeth (concussion) was a full participant in practice.


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10330/1106211-66.stm#ixzz16OmJ4cQa

[markymarc]

It will be nice to have Brett Keisel back again. All we need then is getting Aaron Smith back again. Hopefully we can get healthy late in the season and finish the 2010 season very strong!