Pittsburgh Steelers 09/03/2007 9:14 AMThe Post-Gazette reports C Chukky Okobi waited six years to replace C Jeff Hartings, a two-time All-Pro, as the starting center. He appeared on his way to claiming the position when he was anointed the starter heading into training camp by HC Mike Tomlin, even though the Steelers signed C Sean Mahan from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency.Read more
Baltimore Ravens 09/03/2007 9:12 AMThe Baltimore Sun reports if QB Troy Smith proved anything this preseason, it was his ability to scramble out of trouble. So it shouldn't be such a surprise that the Heisman Trophy winner beat the odds yesterday when he survived the final major cutdown to make the Ravens' 53-man roster as the No. 3 quarterback. Smith, a fifth-round draft pick from Ohio State, was the 93rd-rated passer this preseason (51.6 quarterback rating), completing 48.6 percent of his passes and throwing for no touchdowns.Read more
Buffalo Bills 09/03/2007 9:04 AMAP reports HC Dick Jauron has no concerns that the Bills just got younger after announcing Sunday that rookie LB Paul Posluszny and second-year guard Brad Butler will start the regular season. A bigger concern for the Bills coach is the sudden lack of experienced depth the team has at defensive end a week before Buffalo hosts Denver to open the season.Read more
Pittsburgh Steelers 09/03/2007 9:03 AMAP reports the Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed right OG Kendall Simmons to a four-year extension on Sunday that could be worth as much as $24 million, a deal that makes certain they won't go into the 2008 season without both starting guards. The deal secures Simmons through the 2011 season and guarantees him $7.85 million in new money. He was already set to make $900,000 this season, with a salary cap value of $1,435,664 to the Steelers.Read more
