Dallas

Baker

Baker is guaranteed little as a seventh-rounder, but the former Florida Gator has impressive red-zone abilities. He’ll need to produce on special teams.

Baker, a seventh-round pick from Florida last year, spent his rookie campaign on the practice squad. Vincent will be an extreme long shot to make the club in 2008. Trucks showed in college that he can rush the passer.

Baker’s injury wasn’t disclosed. The Steelers will roll with rookie Mike Wallace and Shaun McDonald behind Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward, and Limas Sweed. Stefan Logan is the “sixth receiver,” but really only a returner.

Rookie Limas Sweed, Washington’s primary competition for the third receiver role, managed only nine yards on two grabs. Dallas Baker took three catches for 57 yards. Baker will likely be the Steelers’ fifth receiver this year. Sweed still has work to do to beat out Washington for regular snaps.

Sweed was expected to challenge Nate Washington for the third receiver job; instead he opens at No. 5 on the depth chart. The rookie has been plagued by drops while Baker has been productive in practice.

Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes have combined for 18 receptions while no other wide receiver has caught a pass. Expect Nate Washington to be worked in, Ward owners haven’t been complaining.

Baker spent his rookie season on the practice squad. “He made plays on a daily basis (in practice) that raised some eyebrows,” Tomlin noted. Baker could emerge as Pittsburgh’s fourth receiver, replacing Cedrick Wilson.

This will get Limas Sweed active as a fourth receiver on game days. Baker, a seventh-round pick in 2007, will probably be replaced on the roster by either a tight end or a cornerback. He is out of practice squad options.

Coach Mike Tomlin said he will ride the the hot hand. Neither receiver is a worth a fantasy play this week, but it could be a chance for the second-rounder Sweed to finally showcase his ability.

Baker has failed to make plays in limited opportunities. It’s time to drop him for more promising options in deep Dynasty leagues.