Stefen

Wisniewski

WIsniewski, a starter in Kansas City’s last two Super Bowl appearances, walks away with two Super Bowl rings with the Eagles (2018) and Chiefs (2019). A second-round selection by the Raiders in 2011, the 32-year-old ends his career after 10 seasons with 6,138 offensive snaps across five different teams.

Wisniewski will chill on the practice squad momentarily while he gets caught up to speed with the Chiefs playbook, but he’s expected to crack the active roster for the final stretch of the season and into the playoffs. His veteran presence is a plus even in a backup role. The rich get richer.

Wisniewski just came off injured reserve after dealing with a pectoral injury. The Steelers evidently decided they didn’t need his depth. 31-year-old Stefen Wisniewski was an every-week starter for the Chiefs last season. He should quickly become a fixture on the workout circuit, though perhaps his age and injury-marred 2020 will work against him in that regard.

The Pittsburgh offensive line had been decimated by injuries. Zach Banner (torn ACL) and David DeCastro (knee) are also out, putting linemen Chukwuma Okorafor and fourth-round rookie Kevin Dotson in the starting lineup for Sunday against Denver. Losing so many offensive lineman could eventually be a major issue for Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense.

Forced into the starting lineup late last season, Wisniewski started every game of the Chiefs’ playoff run. The 31-year-old is a Swiss-army knife on the interior.

Veteran Cooper Carlisle is expected to move to left guard with newcomer Mike Brisiel slotting in at right guard. Wisniewski was rated by most analysts as the top center in last year’s draft; the transition should be smooth.

There’s no word on the severity, though Allen did mention that Li’l Wiz isn’t “all the way back.” The implication is that the Raiders’ new center should be fine by the time training camp rolls around.

Wisniewski missed the Raiders’ entire offseason program as he recovered from his operation, but should be a full-go for the preseason. A second-round pick last season, Wisniewski had a rough year as the Raiders’ left guard, but will man his more natural position of center in 2012.

Wisniewski is missing OTAs after postseason surgery, though he’s expected back at 100 percent for training camp. The 48th pick in the 2011 draft, Wisniewski graded out as a mediocre pass blocker and poor run blocker as a rookie left guard. He’s moving back to center -- his natural position -- for the 2012 season.

Wisniewski dressed and backed up in the season opener but has been working his way back from offseason shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum. Alex Parsons started at center for Oakland in Week 1. Wisniewski’s return should help out an offense that mustered up just 45 yards on the ground last week.