Steelers won’t abandon the run despite injuries
by The Associated Press on Oct. 03, 2008, under SportsPITTSBURGH – No Willie Parker, no Rashard Mendenhall – and, even if they were healthy, no fullback to block for them.
Wide receiver Hines Ward knows what everybody suspects the beaten-up Pittsburgh Steelers will do Sunday night in Jacksonville without their top two running backs. Namely, ask Ben Roethlisberger to beat the Jaguars with his arm.
After all, what better situation for a $102 million quarterback to prove his value?
Ward doesn’t think it will happen, and not only because Roethlisberger missed practice for the second day in a row Thursday because a sore right shoulder.
The Steelers, Ward said, will find a way to run the ball, even though third-down back Mewelde Moore becomes the starter by default this week. He won’t be lined up only for blocking purposes, despite the likely absence of fullback Carey Davis (sprained ankle).
“We’re not going to abandon ship and say we’re going to give up on the run because of some injuries,” Ward said.
“We’re not going to do it. We never have.”
Ward remembers how a brief flirtation with a pass-heavy offense, when Tommy Maddox was the quarterback, led to a 6-10 record in 2003 – and a rapid return the following season to a run-first philosophy.
“I’ve been here when we were a passing team, moving the ball and putting up points, and everybody said we needed to get back to running the ball,” Ward said. “We’re not going to go away from our identity.”
Bills’ Evans signs extension
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – Receiver Lee Evans signed a four-year contract extension worth $37.25 million on Thursday in a deal that prevents the Buffalo Bills’ star from becoming a free agent after this season.
Evans is guaranteed to make $18.25 million in the new deal that runs through 2012. It’s a significant raise over the base salary of $2.25 million he’ll make this season, the final year of the rookie contract he signed after the Bills selected him 13th overall in the 2004 draft out Wisconsin.
Evans already ranks seventh on the Bills’ career list with 4,059 yards receiving, and fifth with 30 career touchdowns receiving.
His best season came in 2006, when he finished sixth in the NFL with 1,292 yards receiving.
Gross may not play
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jordan Gross has started every game for the Carolina Panthers since he was drafted. Now the streak is in jeopardy as he recovers from a concussion.
Gross and Jeff Otah were held out of Thursday’s workout, increasing the likelihood that the Panthers will have a patchwork offensive line this weekend when they play host to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Gross’ streak covers 84 games over eight seasons.
Bears suspend Harris
CHICAGO – The Chicago Bears suspended defensive tackle Tommie Harris for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.
Coach Lovie Smith said Thursday that Harris broke a team rule, but he didn’t explain what it was.
“He’ll continue to rehab but won’t practice with the football team this week,” Smith said.
Harris didn’t play over the weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles because of a knee injury.
