Adams v. Starks: Which Steelers Tackle Wins The Battle

Steelers veteran left tackle Max Starks hit the practice field for the first time since tearing his ACL.  Rookie left tackle Mike Adams also returned from his knee injury he suffered last week against the Eagles.  And, while it’s not The Octagon, this battle for left tackle just got interesting.

I’m not yet convinced that Mike Adams is the guy for the starting job.  Yet.  He’ll get there, but his poor showing against the Eagles is a cause for concern.  Enter trusty Max Starks.  Starks, though criticized for his age and size, entered last season overweight and out of shape from his most recent injury.  After being cut by the Steelers, he was resigned part way through as a final play by the team to improve the awful offensive line.  Starks, who hadn’t really practiced or taken a snap for months shined in his return.  He continued to have Ben Roethlisberger’s back the rest of the year until he went down with an ACL at the end of the season.  Starks is a solid choice at left tackle and has a realistic chance of taking that roll away from Adams.

So who will the Steelers start against the Colts on Sunday?  Does Adams get a second nod and chance to prove that he deserves that spot?  Or do the Steelers go with Starks to see if he can still handle game speed?  If Starks doesn’t start on Sunday, I would think the Steelers would put him in fairly early in the game.  Adams and Starks may share time in the 1st quarter so the coaches can asses how both men handle the 1st team defense of the Colts.  With Freeny and Mathis of the Colts still playing at a high level, both Adams and Starks will be tested often and early.