Steelers Getting Healthy At The Right Time

Harrison & Woodley - Best OLB Tandem in the NFL 

After all the questions, texts, tweets, facebook posts, and phone calls about the Steelers injuries at key positions it looks like the fans are finally getting some answers.  The answer to all those questions are that the Steelers seem to be getting healthy at the right time.  I'm glad the injuries were in training camp and not the regular season, but James Harrison and Jason Worilds were both activated off the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) List yesterday.  Even though they were removed from the list, it doesn't mean they are going to be immediately inserted into the starting lineup (i.e. - Rashard Mendenhall).  Nonetheless, it is a good sign for a team that has been scraping the bottom of the barrel at RB and OLB. 

It seems like the Steelers have settled their RB situation with solid performances in the presesason by Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer.  However, its become blatently apparent that the OLB position can't get much worse.  Chris Carter has done a good job in his time at OLB and has proven his worth at a time when if everyone were healthy at camp, he would be battling to make the 53-man roster.  He was credited with a partial sack against the Buffalo Bills and has been good in his assignments, but he isn't James Harrison.  When James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley are healthy there isn't a better tandem at OLB in the NFL.  Jason Worilds has proven to be quality depth at a position that the Steelers are known across the NFL landscape for grooming.  A burning question for me is when Worilds is healthy enough to play, who will be the #2 at OLB?  I'm sure both Carter and Worilds will be able to switch sides, but who will be the first up?  If you ask me, it would be Carter.  The Fresno State product has proven that he is worthy of the first back up by his play this camp / preseason.

Take the "help" from Harrison and Worilds getting removed from the PUP list and add in a sprinkle of Mike Wallace and you have a recipe for one darn good football team.  Hopefully everyone is PUMPED for the final preseason game where hardly any starters will play (I'm being sarcastic).  After the Junior Varsity game Thursday night its time to start preparing the big boys for the big stage.  The Steelers will have alot to prove as they head into Denver on SNF to face Peyton Manning and the Broncos.  I must say, if they put pressure on Manning like they did on Fitzpatrick of the Bills, Manning might be in for a LOOONG night.  Can't you tell?  Its time for the games to count!