Sunday, January 8
Steelers starting center Maurkice Pouncey is among those inactive for today's game against the Broncos. Doug Legursky will start at center.
Also inactive are cornerback Cortez Allen, safety Ryan Clark, linebacker Mortty Ivy, tackle Jamon Meredith, running back Mewelde Moore and defensive end Al Woods.
Ryan Mundy will start at free safety for Clark.
As the Steelers prepare to take on the Broncos, running backs coach Kirby Wilson is in the thoughts of all of Steelers Nation.
"Kirby is a fighter, he is fighting," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family as we prepare to play this football game."
For in-game updates click Steelers Playoff Diary.Saturday, January 7(Click for final injury update)The Steelers held a walk-thru on Saturday morning, before boarding a plane and heading to Denver to take on the Broncos on Sunday afternoon.
There was some good news for a few former Steelers on Saturday afternoon as Jerome Bettis, Dermontti Dawson, Kevin Greene and Jack Butler were all finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012. There are 15 modern-era finalists and two senior members, including Butler.
The Class of 2012 will be announced on February 4 in Indianapolis.
Dawson learned of being a finalist when he received a text from former Steelers wide receiver Louis Lipps, which was then followed up by phone calls and other messages from friends.
"The way I approach it, if I am selected, then I am selected. If I am not, I'm not," said Dawson, who has been down this road before as a finalist. "At least I am a finalist so I have another opportunity. I just take it one day at a time. That is it."
Dawson, who played for the Steelers from 1988-2000, is considered one of the best to play the game but has the disadvantage of being at a position where he doesn't have stats.
"I think that is part of it as well," said Dawson. "That is a hard thing for offensive linemen. It's supposed to be based on what you did as a player, what you contributed to the game. We are not stat guys, except for jumping offside or holding, those are the only stats we have. Everything is about stats and that makes it tougher for offensive linemen to get in there. You have only had a handful of centers to get in the Hall of Fame. The percentage is very low when it comes to offensive linemen."
The perfect scenario for Dawson would be him and his former teammate Bettis going in the Hall together this year.
"That would be great," said Dawson. "If both of us were elected…I don't know if it's happened before with two teammates but it would be great.
"Jerome is more than deserving to be elected. He was consistent throughout his career. Every year he was consistent. He wasn't the typical running back. He wasn't a super speedy guy. He got it done, came in every week and got it done. He was a load."
Dawson continues to follow the Steelers and is looking forward to Sunday's game against the Broncos.
"It's going to be a good game," said Dawson. "Overall I think it's going to be a close game. I hope Ben's (Roethlisberger) ankle is going to be good enough that he is going to be mobile. I think it's going to be a competitive game.
"I think the key is going to be those guys trying to corral (Tim) Tebow and contain the running game."
Click Steelers Playoff Diary for more including the injury update, photos and more.
