Should the Steelers activate DeCastro

David DeCastro Watch 2012: Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Activate Him?





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[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.](Contributor) on November 12, 2012



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Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

When Stanford's All-American standout guard [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] fell to them last spring, the [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] practically ran to the table to get the selection in. Steeler fans jumped with elation at the sound of the commissioner's voice, a first for sure, at the announcement of the pick. All seemed perfect for the second coming of Alan Faneca. Then, on a fateful day in [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.], it all came crashing down with a knee injury that left the rookie sidelined and put on injured reserve, with the designation to return.

That was more than three months ago, though, and the hour of return is upon the Steeler Nation. Normally, under these circumstances, the team's offensive line history, and the skill of the player, it would be a no-brainer to return DeCastro to the field as soon as possible, but the situation isn't so simple. The Steelers' paper-thin offensive line has played surprisingly well the last few weeks ,and it seems that cohesion has left DeCastro as the odd man out of the group, even if he does return. With Ramon Foster playing very well, it doesn't make much sense to bench him just to rush DeCastro back into the lineup. Willie Colon, on the other side, makes too much money to bench, despite the penalties he regularly incurs. Plus DeCastro was playing right guard rather than Colon's left spot. That leaves no room for the promising first-round pick.

That doesn't close the door, though.

With DeCastro eligible to practice any day now, he could in theory be suited up and ready to play by next week's game against the [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]. This doesn't seem incredibly likely, though, as offensive line coach [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] “It is all on his timetable...He had a pretty significant knee injury." This isn't exactly the sign that fans eagerly awaiting the return of David want to hear.

That begs the question, though: Should the Steelers activate him if he isn't needed? I believe so, as DeCastro provides the Steelers with possibly the best depth at guard of any team in the [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.], an insurance policy that could be a wise investment if injuries start popping up. In the early games this season when the offensive line had someone limping to the sidelines every other play it seemed, there was a very real possibility of a tight end playing tackle.

While rushing DeCastro to the starting lineup might not be the wisest idea, bringing him back for depth and a chance to play, instead of completely forgoing his rookie season, would be a smart move for the Steelers. It would also make fans very happy. Only time will tell, though.

I say no. The OL is doing a decent job... so why take the risk?

I think bring him back, but as backup. give him the time to acclimate himself again. Maybe get him a few reps here and there to help the mental process. There is no NEED to put him in and doing that may upset the chemistry that is being built. But one injury could make a huge difference. I'm for using him , but in a measured capacity if possible.

leejr wrote:








David DeCastro Watch 2012: Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Activate Him?





By
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.](Contributor) on November 12, 2012



193 reads

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]


Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse more stories[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

When Stanford's All-American standout guard [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] fell to them last spring, the [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] practically ran to the table to get the selection in. Steeler fans jumped with elation at the sound of the commissioner's voice, a first for sure, at the announcement of the pick. All seemed perfect for the second coming of Alan Faneca. Then, on a fateful day in [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.], it all came crashing down with a knee injury that left the rookie sidelined and put on injured reserve, with the designation to return.

That was more than three months ago, though, and the hour of return is upon the Steeler Nation. Normally, under these circumstances, the team's offensive line history, and the skill of the player, it would be a no-brainer to return DeCastro to the field as soon as possible, but the situation isn't so simple. The Steelers' paper-thin offensive line has played surprisingly well the last few weeks ,and it seems that cohesion has left DeCastro as the odd man out of the group, even if he does return. With Ramon Foster playing very well, it doesn't make much sense to bench him just to rush DeCastro back into the lineup. Willie Colon, on the other side, makes too much money to bench, despite the penalties he regularly incurs. Plus DeCastro was playing right guard rather than Colon's left spot. That leaves no room for the promising first-round pick.

That doesn't close the door, though.

With DeCastro eligible to practice any day now, he could in theory be suited up and ready to play by next week's game against the [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]. This doesn't seem incredibly likely, though, as offensive line coach [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] “It is all on his timetable...He had a pretty significant knee injury." This isn't exactly the sign that fans eagerly awaiting the return of David want to hear.

That begs the question, though: Should the Steelers activate him if he isn't needed? I believe so, as DeCastro provides the Steelers with possibly the best depth at guard of any team in the [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.], an insurance policy that could be a wise investment if injuries start popping up. In the early games this season when the offensive line had someone limping to the sidelines every other play it seemed, there was a very real possibility of a tight end playing tackle.

While rushing DeCastro to the starting lineup might not be the wisest idea, bringing him back for depth and a chance to play, instead of completely forgoing his rookie season, would be a smart move for the Steelers. It would also make fans very happy. Only time will tell, though.

I say not yes but hell yes! This guy is going to make a difference on our line. He's smart, athletic and is going to be a beast in the run game for us. I say let work him in gradually so he isn't overwhelmed at first.

If he helps the team why not?

Admin wrote:I think bring him back, but as backup. give him the time to acclimate himself again. Maybe get him a few reps here and there to help the mental process. There is no NEED to put him in and doing that may upset the chemistry that is being built. But one injury could make a huge difference. I'm for using him , but in a measured capacity if possible.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

Agree 100 percent...good post...