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But Cowher won't name a starter at offensive right guard

Wednesday, September 04, 2002

By Ed Bouchette, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Coach Bill Cowher yesterday picked James Farrior to start at inside linebacker over John Fiala but, in a surprise move, declined to name a starter at right guard.

Oliver Ross appeared to win the job to replace the released Rich Tylski at right guard, and even the competition, rookie Kendall Simmons, conceded to him. But Cowher said he's not ready to make that call.

Simmons returned to practice Monday after missing the last two exhibitions with a pulled hamstring. Ross received extended playing time at right guard because of Simmon's injury, remaining in the past two games after the rest of the starters were removed.

"I'm not ready to announce a starter," Cowher said. "Both those guys will work this week, and we'll make a decision later in the week."

Cowher said even if Ross starts, Simmons will play Monday night against the New England Patriots.

"Kendall's doing fine," Cowher said. "I'm not sure he'll be ready to take a full game, having not played for two weeks. But both those guys are going to play at the right guard position, and we'll go from there."

That would seem to say Ross did not show Cowher enough with Simmons out to nail down the job, but the coach said it was not a reflection on him. He did acknowledge, though, that guard is not Ross' best position.

"He's probably a player who would be better suited at tackle than guard, but he came in and played for us last year and he'll play for us this year there. And if he's playing well, we'll leave him in there. I'm not going to disrupt it.

"I don't want people going in and saying we took Oliver out, what happened? I'm telling you now, both players will play. I don't think I'll have anything preset going in, defined, but Kendall's going to get playing time, and I'm not going to discount him starting the game."

Cowher wants Simmons, the Steelers' first-round draft choice, to gain game experience.

"Some of the things he has to grow into he can only experience by playing," Cowher said. "Certainly, we're not going to do it at the expense of our offense for one individual, but, at the same time, it's important he gets some playing time because we think he has a good future. We realize we have to live with some of the growing pains there but we realize it may pay some dividends down the road."

Practice squad set

Four players cut by the Steelers over the weekend rejoined them on their five-man practice squad, along with former West Virginia player Khori Ivy. The four, all rookies, are OT Josh Burr, LB James Harrison, RB Antwon McCray and S Erik Totten.

Ivy, considered a first-year player, was released by Cincinnati this summer after spending time on the practice squad of the Bengals and Patriots last season.

Injury report

Cowher said he will put five players on the injury list this week. All will be listed as probable: LB Kendrell Bell (ankle), LB Clark Haggans (knee), DL Chris Hoke (rib), G Kendall Simmons (hamstring) and WR Hines Ward (appendectomy).

Quick hits

Two players received new jersey numbers to start the season. TE John Allred will wear No. 85, and Simmons will switch to No. 73. ... The Steelers will resume practice today after having yesterday off. ... Rookie Lee Mays will return kicks, and rookie Antwaan Randle El will return punts.