The Steelers added defensive end/edge rusher DeMarvin Leal from their practice squad yesterday and placed Isaiahh Loudermilk on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. They also signed inside linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, receiver Isaiah Hodgins and tight end Matt Sokol. Bentley is an established NFL veteran of eight years who has started 68 games, all with New England, the Steelers’ opponent this weekend. He hasn’t played since injuring a pectoral muscle in Week Two last season.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he knows what to expect from the Patriots’ defense on Sunday.
Rodgers says the Steelers are working on getting the running game going, and they know it starts at the point of attack.
At practice yesterday, linebacker Patrick Queen was a full participant despite injuring some ribs last week, but injured defensive starters Joey Porter Jr., Alex Highsmith, Loudermilk, and DeShon Elliott all sat out. Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, the team’s number one draft choice this year, practiced for the first time since injuring his knee in the preseason. Harmon was listed as “limited” but pronounced himself “ready to go” if called upon to play on Sunday.
