ST. LOUIS (AP) -Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Anthony Smith, burned for three long pass plays in two games, was not in the lineup for Thursday night’s game against the St. Louis Rams.
Smith, who also motivated the New England Patriots two weeks ago when he guaranteed a victory, was replaced by Tyrone Carter. Carter had two starts at strong safety earlier in the year when Troy Polamalu was injured.
Smith made his second interception of the season last week but was beaten on Dennis Northcutt’s 55-yard touchdown catch in the Steelers’ 29-22 loss to the Jaguars. Smith became the starter after Ryan Clark was placed on injured reserve with a spleen injury six games into the season.
Left tackle Marvel Smith was out with a back injury, with Max Starks stepping in as the starter. Starks relieved Smith the last two possessions last week against the Jaguars and was making his second start of the year.
Marvel Smith made 28 consecutive starts before the back sidelined him for games on Nov. 26 against the Dolphins and Dec. 2 against the Bengals.
Brett Romberg, who has not played in six of the last seven games due to a high right ankle sprain, replaced Andy McCollum at center for the Rams. Romberg dressed but did not play the last two weeks; both players were told before Sunday’s loss to the Packers that Romberg would be starting against Pittsburgh.
The Rams placed backup running back Travis Minor (high ankle sprain) on injured reserve and signed running back Rich Alexis, who had been on the practice squad, to the active roster. Alexis was among the game-day inactives.
Add A Comment