Injuries Becoming Even More of a Concern for Steelers

Things are looking bad for the Steelers on the injury front as they try to get set for Saturday night’s playoff showdown with the Jaguars at Heinz Field.  We already know the following are out: Willie Parker, Aaron Smith, offensive tackles Marvel Smith and Max Starks and safety Ryan Clark.  That will leave Trai Essex at left tackle, playing a position that is very important to the Steelers success for this huge playoff matchup.  They might end up putting Alan Faneca at left tackle and playing Chris Kemoeatu at Faneca’s left guard spot.  Either way, it does not look good.  “We’re not going to tip our hand,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “Trai is the next guy up and the level of expectation will not change. Using common sense, he is the third person to have lined up at that position, so we’ve got to do some things schematically to help him.”  Today the team also put special teams captain Clint Kriewaldt on IR with a neck injury.r