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5 Steelers who need to step up in Ben Roethlisberger’s absence

By Parker Hurley

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) drops back to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) drops back to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 21, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green (89) runs after a catch as Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Preston Brown (52) pursues during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Chargers beat the Bills 22-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green (89) runs after a catch as Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Preston Brown (52) pursues during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Chargers beat the Bills 22-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Ladarius Green

It may be a lot to expect of a player who may only make his season debut in Week 7. However, the Steelers now need Green to immediately step in and at the very least be a factor that can keep the pressure off some of the others. Green was the Steelers’ big free agency acquisition this year.

They saw him as a long-term replacement for Heath Miller, and another big body Roethlisberger can throw the ball to in the end zone. Unfortunately, potential concussion and ankle issues have kept him sidelined until this point. His practice time has noticeably increased in past weeks, and by all indications, his debut is scheduled for Week 7.

The Steelers were able to get by on the play of Jesse James and Xavier Grimble in the meantime, but that had more to do with the skill of Roethlisberger than the two tight ends. Without Roethlisberger, these names will lose a lot of the luster they had through six weeks.

Green, however, could be a safety blanket for Jones. He’s tall, fast and he can catch — three extremely important qualities for any safety blanket tight end. His size gives him a greater catch radius, which should erase the difference in accuracy from Roethlisberger to Jones. His presence also makes it harder for teams to beat the Steelers simply by shutting down Antonio Brown.

Green will demand attention, and if he can earn the respect of the Patriots defense in Week 7, he’ll be a difference maker and a much-needed boost in the offense.

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