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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 12.09.24
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Brian Batko
12:34
Yes, Corliss Waitman did rebound in a major way from that nightmarish punt to end the first Browns game. I think Cam Johnston still has a long way to go, so cross that bridge when they get to it, but great to have Waitman punting well as a backup plan. Johnston remains the consummate teammate and pro, helping out as essentially an extra special teams coach for Danny Smith while he's rehabbing.
Yogi in Yonkers
12:34
Happy Holidays, Brian. Odds of Najee returning next year?
Brian Batko
12:36
Still don't see it happening, Yogi. The Steelers made more of a philosophical choice than a pure performance-based one when they declined his option. There's a high threshold to clear to be a highly-drafted and/or highly-paid running back, and as good as Najee is, I'm not sure he's in that elite tier. The way he's playing this season is nice, but the Steelers already knew he could do this. They'd seen him do it.
Scranton
12:37
Do you have insight into Tomlin's relationship with the Rooney family?  Tomlin never really mentions the Rooneys where Cowher spoke about them often.
Brian Batko
12:39
As far as I know, it's as strong as can be. I'd say any mention of ownership is more of a big-picture idea and Tomlin tends to be laser-focused on the next game, next practice, etc. when he has press conferences. When he gets on some of those long-form podcasts in the offseason, he's more apt to go behind the curtain, to an extent.
DannySmithsGum
12:41
Really worried about if some of the reports I am reading about Pickens is true. If it is a Grade 2, won’t he miss up to a month? I’m confused with all the reporting. We saw how most of the drives looked yesterday without him, good enough to beat the Browns, yes. Will they be good enough to beat the upcoming teams without him, probably not… Hoping he will be okay for Baltimore, what do you think?
Brian Batko
12:43
Tomlin said yesterday after the game that he'd have more info and details on it Tuesday. Case by case basis, as with all injuries, but it goes without saying that if resting Pickens can help him return sooner for the stretch run, it was a no-brainer.
TXSteeler
12:45
A few weeks ago you said not to worry about Patterson’s usage. Still feel that way?
Brian Batko
12:47
You must've missed the next week's chat when I said it might be a wrap on Patterson. But thank you for your memory.
12:48
OK, now that we've come full-circle on Cordarrelle Patterson in a few different ways one day after there were a bunch of other relevant storylines, it's also gonna be a wrap on this chat. Thanks for playing, everyone. See you next week.
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