Injuries, fines highlight Steelers week

By Neal Coolong  |   Saturday, November 08, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Pittsburgh Steelers
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Not much has changed with the Pittsburgh Steelers over the past few weeks.

More starters are injured, including running back Willie Parker and left tackle Marvel Smith, who have missed all but one of the last six games combined.

A somewhat new addition to the team's ultra-talented injury report is outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley, who is questionable for Sunday's game with the Indianapolis Colts because of a calf injury. Woodley also joined many of his Steeler brethren when he was fined $10,000 by the NFL for a sack he made on Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell. No flag was thrown on the play.

Commentary: Perhaps the question players should now be asking is: If all these hits are illegal and worthy of a five-digit fine, why do none of them get flagged? It would seem the officials, not the players, are the ones truly to blame.

That's partially tongue-in-cheek, but it doesn't make sense that Woodley, wide receiver Hines Ward and linebacker James Farrior have all been fined for plays on the field that haven't been flagged. In Woodley's case, he spun Campbell around while he had the ball, threw him to the ground without going after his knees and didn't taunt the QB or celebrate over him. Nevertheless, he'll pay $10,000 for it.

To be fair, Farrior put a hit on Campbell that drew a 15-yard penalty. Farrior seems to hit Campbell with his helmet when he was releasing the ball. Nothing has been mentioned about a fine for him.

It's somewhat ironic that the Steelers are apparently playing as rough as they are, yet they are among the league leaders in starters on the injury report. The players are only getting more bold when speaking about it. Strong safety Troy Polamalu's infamous Pansy Game quote still resonates throughout the league.

Fan Pulse: Fans on Steelers Fever are discussing Woodley's fine, also mentioning that Farrior's hit on Campbell will likely draw a fine of its own.

Fantasy Football Impact: Pittsburgh's defense is ranked second overall in scoring (14.5 points per game), and it faces an interesting test against Peyton Manning and the Colts. Inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons may start for Woodley if he cannot play.

Injury Watch: QB Ben Roethlisberger practiced Friday and is probable for Sunday's game. Cornerback Bryant McFadden, tight end Heath Miller, Smith and Parker are out. RB Najeh Davenport is questionable.
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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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