Rolle says he could be out Monday night at Pittsburgh

By Neal Coolong  |   Friday, September 26, 2008  |  Comments( 3 )

Baltimore Ravens
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Baltimore Sun writer Mike Preston wrote in his blog that he had a source saying Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle won't play Monday night at Pittsburgh.

Quoted by Preston, Rolle said the writer's source is probably right.

If Rolle can't go, the Ravens will be without three defensive starters: Rolle, safety Dawan Landry and nose tackle Kelly Gregg. Rolle would be replaced by 2008 trade acquisition Fabian Washington.

Commentary: Rolle and fellow starting cornerback Chris McAlister both missed last year's Monday night game at Pittsburgh, and the Steelers shredded the Ravens through the air. Quaterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for five touchdown passes during a 38-7 massacre. McAlister will suit up, meaning Pittsburgh won't have quite the advantage it enjoyed last year, but rest assured that hitting the deep ball and igniting the home crowd is in the Steeler game plan.

The Ravens stuff the run as well as anyone in the league, and considering the injury to Steelers RB Willie Parker and subsequent promotion of fumble-prone Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh is really going to count on its passing game to win. The Ravens are 2-0 and the Steelers are 2-1, so the victor will be in first place in the AFC North after the game.

Baltimore can counter Pittsburgh's vertical attack by getting to Roethlisberger. The Steelers gave up nine sacks last week at Philadelphia, and the Ravens will bring pressure on every down to exploit a porous offensive line. If Washington and McAlister can hold their own, it's not unreasonable to assume Baltimore can take a 1.5-game lead over Pittsburgh in a surprising division race.

Fan Pulse: The Extreme Ravens fan message board discusses Rolle's possible absence in Week 4.

Injury Watch: Along with Rolle, Landry and Gregg, tight end Daniel Wilcox, running back Le'Ron McClain and linebacker Nick Greisen did not practice Thursday for Baltimore. The Steelers will definitely be without Parker, NT Casey Hampton and defensive end Brett Keisel. Safety Troy Polamalu and LB Donovan Woods did not practice Thursday.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one...
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