Darnell

Stapleton

Darnell Stapleton is the incumbent, but Urbik has a significant edge in both talent and size. Should Stapleton keep the job, Urbik figures to dress on game days as the top backup guard.

Coach Mike Tomlin expects to be without him for 2-4 weeks. Stapleton had fluid and swelling in his knee after suffering an injury in a weekend practice. Veteran Trai Essex has been working with the first team, though third-rounder Kraig Urbik could work his way into the mix.

Initial reports indicated that Stapleton’s injury was much worse than expected, but he says the surgery was just to clean out loose bodies floating in his knee. Veteran Trai Essex is filling in during preseason action.

Stapleton underwent surgery three weeks ago after experiencing fluid on his knee early in camp. However, coach Mike Tomlin revealed that he may need another procedure. Trai Essex will continue to work as the starting right guard. The downgrade is negligible, so don’t lower expectations for the Steelers running game.

Urbik had the best chance to start of any Steelers rookie, but it’s starting look like incumbent Darnell Stapleton will hang on to the right guard job. The offensive line remains intact from last season, which is hardly good news for Ben Roethlisberger.

Stapleton underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee Friday morning, and it’s feared that there was more damage than originally expected. Justin Hartwig is also missing camp time with a toe injury. The team worked out centers Alex Stepanovich and Alex Derenthal on Friday.

Tomlin revealed that Stapleton’s surgery was exploratory in nature, and the team will know more in two weeks. Earlier reports indicated that Stapleton’s injury was worse than expected and that he could be lost for the season.

Stapleton had fluid on his knee after suffering an injury in Sunday’s practice. Rookie Kraig Urbik is coming along slowly, so Trai Essex would likely step in as the starter if Stapleton’s injury is serious.

Coach Mike Tomlin also did not rule out the possibility of moving right tackle Willie Colon inside and inserting Max Starks into the starting lineup. Either way, the Steelers offensive line is in shambles.

Simmons was one of the more effective players on an offensive line that has had trouble the last couple of weeks. Darnell Stapleton took over in Monday night’s game and is expected to remain the starter.