Starks & Ryan Clark out for Bengals game

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 12-27-2006, 08:29 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06361/749131-66.stm

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Offensive tackle Max Starks and free safety Ryan Clark will not play Sunday when the Steelers conclude their disappointing season in Cincinnati at 1 p.m.

Starks is out with a knee injury and Clark with a groin injury.

Also, linebacker Clark Haggans is doubtful with an MCL knee sprain, and his backup, James Harrison, is questionable with a shoulder injury. If neither Haggans nor Harrison can play, the Steelers could be in trouble. Those two and starter Joey Porter are the only outside linebackers on their depth chart.

Six players are probable for the game --safety Andre Lott (ankle), linebacker Clint Kriewaldt (neck), quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder), cornerback Deshea Townsend (hand), center Jeff Hartings (knee), safety Troy Polamalu (knee).

This gives Anthony Smith one last shot to prove his worth his season as we head into next year. If he plays well again he'll be in the thick of the battle for the starting role opposite Troy in 2007.

I wonder if Colon will start or if they'll give Essex a chance to see what he can do. I like Colon because he's a tough, big, mean guy who won't take any shit from the DL, he just needs more reps which will help him in the future.

If Harrison or Haggans can't go we will be in big trouble since we're already thin at LB with Arnold Harrison out for the year too. We may be forced to play a different defense if they can't go. Damn I wish James would stay healthy, he's such a force when he's in there.

**Captcoolhand** · 12-27-2006, 08:41 AM

I'm waiting for a HoS post here!

Pick me!, pick me! I was a Linebacker back in the day

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 12-27-2006, 11:23 AM

Ouch !!

**LatrobePA** · 12-27-2006, 11:59 AM

I say sit Troy too, he looked 1/2 stength. Let him get better for 07'!! He got picked on all day, burned twice for TD's...That's not him!!

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 12-27-2006, 06:18 PM

We dont have much left if we sit Troy. He almost has to play. If we start Carter and Smith, and one of them goes down we have nobody left. I'd maybe only play Troy in situational defenses though which could be a thought depending on how he's healing up and getting his strength and speed back.

**LatrobePA** · 12-27-2006, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by TOP GUN

We dont have much left if we sit Troy. He almost has to play. If we start Carter and Smith, and one of them goes down we have nobody left. I'd maybe only play Troy in situational defenses though which could be a thought depending on how he's healing up and getting his strength and speed back.

I know that sucks. I was reading the the knee injury he suffered is oftened followed with a tear if not properly healed. Lets hope #85 keeps dropping the ball!!lol

#84 whosyourmumma can kiss my arse, he's a chump!!