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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 11.19.19
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rman
2:40
Has there been any specifics on the exact injury to Ben's arm?  Any specifics on his rehab schedule?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
Ben told the P-G's Ron Cook about a week ago that he expects to be ready for OTAs or minicamp. OTAs are in May. Minicamp in June.
Greg
2:42
At this point, would you agree that the Steelers need to have Juju play out his contract next year before signing him to an extension?  I know the they typically like to lock guys up going into the final year but if Juju has another down year it could be catastrophic to overpay a WR.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
I think they'll try to sign him. We'll see if he accepts. I don't think they're going to offer him Deandre Hopkins or AJ Green type of money.
AK
2:42
It seems to me that if Dupree leaves, which is likely, that the Steelers #1 priority would be OLB.  Do you agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
It would be a priority, but RB, OL, TE and WR are top priorities too. They can't waste whatever talent Ben has left by surrounding him with players with diminishing skills. They have to do something about the talent on the offensive side of the ball, too.
Bill
2:44
I believe vananimal is a more get in the way type blocker  not like Heath Miller who would drive players away. I think they need to draft a tightend fairly high in the draft because l also think this would help the running game. Not a fan of vananimal.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
It's hard to find great blocking tight ends anymore. They're all glorified slot WR coming out of the college game. But I agree with you. An old-school Heath Miller-type would bolster the running game. But where do you find players like that anymore?
Lipps
2:45
If Ju Ju and Johnson can’t go, could this be the worst (or maybe just least experienced) WR group we have ever trotted our for a game?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
It would rank right up there.
Greg
2:45
Steelers finally bringing in more of a scat back in Whyte.  Do you get the feeling that Samuels is now playing for his spot on the team next year? With Juju and Snell, it seems that we need more of a scat back rather than another big body in Samuels, who lacks elusiveness.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
We'll see what White has. He wasn't even on a 53-man roster. I know they liked him in the predraft process, but let's not anoint him just yet. I am surprised Samuels hasn't been more effective. It might have something to do with the play of the line. No RBs are lighting it up, you might have noticed.
Scott
2:48
Utah Jim, I believe the offense of Joe Walton in the late 80's was worse.
Guest
2:48
If the team makes the playoffs, will the beat writers be advocating for Tomlin to win Coach of the Year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
He might have his name mentioned, but have you heard of this guy Kyle Shanahan? Or John Harbaugh?
Bill in SF
2:49
When Nixed returned from his first injury, all the coaches and players talked about how important he is to the running game and the offense. Given that, why do the Steelers only carry one player on the roster who can play that position?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:51
Some coaches might consider one FB on the 53-man roster a luxury. Now maybe they should have one on the practice squad. That's not a terrible idea. Then again -- and I've mentioned this in the past -- it's not like the colleges are producing a lot of quality FBs.
so no Kap questions answered?
2:51
Why is PIT sports ecosystem determined to assume Duck is the best QB option when a very serviceable Kaepernick is available?  Vick wasn't a problem for the Rooneys, why is being outspoken on social justice  issue disqualifying for Pittsburgh?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:53
Kapernick doesn't want to play. Did you see how he handled that situation on Saturday? His team changed the venue an hour or so before the scheduled workout. I don't know what the end-game is for him. Even he doesn't seem to know.
mrbig
2:53
I keep hearing about a kick to Garrett's groin... I don't see it, did you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:54
No. I watched the video. He was yanked to his feet by Garrett. Of course his legs are going to react. There was no kick.
biG fisH
2:54
Troy Aikman described MR as heavy legged, do you agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:54
Well, he's certainly not fleet of foot.
JR
2:54
Ray, what is your assessment of Devin Bush so far? Worth trading up for? What do you see as his ceiling; could he be a perennial All Pro?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:55
He hasn't been as noticeable as he was in the Chargers game. I think a lot of it has to do with some of his struggles in pass defense. Teams can get him in mismatches. And he's missed some assignments. It happens with a young LB. I'll be concerned if it happens next season. I think everyone knew there would be some growing pains this year when he was a rookie.
Alaska Steeler
2:56
I'm not bashing Rudolph, but if I college prospect can't play under center, why is he considered a top draft pick?  Kinda like saying Player X is a great hitter, but he can't hit the curve or the fast ball.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:56
Hardly any of these QBs that come into the league now play under center in college.
Will
2:56
Why are the Steelers so repellent to the idea of considering Kap.  He'd be an immediate improvement over MR.  Is it because Ben is so active with supporting Police dogs (serious question)?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:57
Good Lord. The guy hasn't played football in three years. And you think he's better than Mason Rudolph right now?
Jack Lambert's tooth
2:59
Any of these recently signed guys going to get a helmet on Sunday?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:59
We'll find out, but Cain and White were signed to the 53-man roster. They'll probably dress and have a role if JuJu, Johnson and Conner don't play.
3:00
OK thanks for all the great questions this week. We'll do it again after the Bengals game.
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