Steelers Bye Week Plans, Ike likes Rookies, Blount Signs with Pats
By Kim Myers
Your Pittsburgh Steelers head into their bye week for some much needed rehabilitation and relaxation. While they’re recuperating we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Saturday, Nov. 22nd.
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Whatcha doin?
Before heading out for their bye week Teresa Varley caught up with some Steelers to see what their plans were for their days off. The majority of them were looking forward to getting into some warmer weather while some were heading off to their college alma mater’s to check out some games. The consensus was that they’re mostly looking forward to spending the time with their families.
"“I am hosting my turkey drive. That is all I am looking forward to and excited about, that and spending time with my family.” – Maurkice Pouncey"
Ike likes what he sees
Steelers CB Ike Taylor spoke with ESPN’s Scott Brown about what he’s seen since he’s been sidelined with a forearm injury. Taylor spoke highly of two rookies in particular, WR Martavis Bryant and NT Daniel McCullers. He thinks the success of the team down the stretch will depend on the contributions from each of them in their roles. Bryant has developed into a big part of the offense after not playing in the first six games he now has six touchdown passes through five games. McCullers is still finding his way but will definitely be needed to step in more for while Steve McLendon rehabs a shoulder injury. Taylor credits the success of Bryant and McCullers so far with the work ethic the rookie class has come in with.
"“All he wants to do is work. He doesn’t say too much. He doesn’t pout, he doesn’t whine. He comes into practice, he does what he needs to do, he tries to get better, he leaves. That’s kind of uncommon for a rookie, but that’s what he’s doing and Big Dan, he does the same thing. When you see rookie guys like that and they’re willing to help out and you see them getting better over the course of weeks you’re like, ‘Man this guy’s going to be one of the keys to our success.’ This rookie class has been a great rookie class. They come in and put in their work, stay after practice and come before practice and we all hang out. The camaraderie is starting to form as a team.” – Ike Taylor"
Well that didn’t take long
Former Steelers running back LeGarrette Blount has found a home at his former home, the New England Patriots. Ray Fittipaldo of the PPG explains that Blount passed through waivers unclaimed and was signed by the Patriots shortly after that on Wednesday afternoon. Blount rushed for 772 yards and seven touchdowns for the Patriots last season but was not brought back in free agency. The Pats had recently lost their starting running back, Stevan Ridley, to a knee injury for the remainder of the season. I wouldn’t put it passed Ole Belichick to have one of his minions call up Blount a couple of weeks ago and let him know that if there was any way he could get out of Pittsburgh, they’d gladly take him back. Farfetched I know but just something evil enough for Belichick to pull off I think. Plus, who would turn down the opportunity to get paid by two teams like Blount is right now?