The Blitzburgh Report

Free Safety Ryan Clark (Spleen) and Tight End Jerame Tuman (Back) have both been placed on Injured Reserve.

The Steelers signed Center Marvin Philip from their practice squad to fill one of the roster spots. That is a bit odd because it leaves the team with three centers on the active roster. It is unclear yet whether the Steelers have plans for Philip or if they were protecting him from being signed by another team. It may also be the case that they aren’t too happy with Sean Mahan’s constant short and low snaps to Big Ben in shotgun formations. We’ll see.

The Steelers also signed cornerback Grant Mason from the practice squad. Mason was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New Orleans Saints last year. He was waived by the Saints before the season started and never played in a regular season game. The Steelers signed him last January and he spent training camp with the team. Hopefully he can play special teams.

What Romo’s Deal Means for Big Ben

Yesterday Cowboy’s quarterback Tony Romo signed a six year, $67.5 million contact, $31 million which is believed to be guaranteed. Now Romo has looked simply amazing at times and bad at others. He hasn’t won a playoff game, literally letting the chance slip through his hands. What I’m saying is that he’s still a bit unproven. Now, the point of this isn’t to bash Romo, but instead to point out that if he got handed a pretty sweet deal, what’s a young QB who has won a lot of games, lead his team to two championship games, and won a Super Bowl going to demand?

Of course, I am talking about Ben Roethlisberger, who figures to get a new deal after this season. He’ll have two years left on his contract and the Steelers will be trying to nail a deal down as soon as possible. Even if Ben tanked the rest of this season you still have to think the team would give him a large extension deal. The reality is, however, that Ben is well on pace for his best season yet statistically.

The Steelers must have always had Ben’s contract in their back of their minds, if not after his great rookie season then certainly after the Super Bowl. Any doubts about Ben’s less then stellar season last year are being erased now, at least enough that they really can’t not resign him at this point.

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The Steelers signed eight players to their practice squad today, seven of which were in their camp this pre-season. The list includes 2007 draft picks wide receiver Dallas Baker and defensive end Ryan McBean (am I the only one who keeps thinking of Steely McBeam the mascot ever time I see his name?). Also, 2006 draft pick center Marvin Philip, wide receiver Gerran Walker, tight end Jon Dekker, defensive back Grant Mason, and defensive linemen Scott Paxon. They also signed running back Jamal Branch, who spent the pre-season with the New Orleans Saints.

The KDKA is reporting that the Steelers have signed guard Kendall Simmons to a four-year contract extension worth $24 million, $8.5 million of which is guaranteed. The Steelers must really be impressed with Simmons’ play so far this pre-season.

Ed Bouchette of the Post Gazette is reporting that the Steelers have signed safety Troy Polamalu to a long-term contract extension. Polamalu is now the highest paid player in Steelers history. The 5 year deal is reportedly worth $33 million, which includes over $15 million in signing and roster bonuses. Looks like Troy got his pay-day, now he just has to prove that the Steelers made the right choice.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sports editor Jerry Micco said in a chat Wednesday that from what he is hearing, Alan Faneca will not be with the Steelers after this season:

mxpxbv82: I’ll break the Steeler-less streak…we haven’t heard much more on the Alan Faneca front. Still think he’s here beyond 2007?

Jerry Micco: I’m hearing he will not be here beyond 2007, but there’s still time for the Steelers to work that out. And some of it will depend on other players, too. But from what I’m hearing, Faneca is gone after this season.

While most people have been talking about this topic lately, we feel this is worth mentioning because Jerry Micco’s word has a bit more weight and credibility then your average Joe on a message board. With all the talk lately, it certainly makes sense. Faneca still has some good years left, but with lineman contracts skyrocketing in recent years, he is going to command a ton of cash. We just don’t see the Steelers being able to afford him. As we all know, the Steelers don’t break the bank and jeopardize the team for any one player, no matter how good.