Steelers guard Darnell Stapleton is going to be in a fight with Kraig Urbik for the starting position this year, but problem is, Stapleton may not be able to get on the field.
The Tribune-Review reports that Stapleton had an MRI on Monday on his right knee, and the results could be critical as to how the Steelers O-line is going to shape up for the future:
Steelers guard Darnell Stapleton is awaiting word about an MRI he had taken Monday on his right knee.
Stapleton has been dealing with swelling in the knee, and he and the Steelers are hopeful that the MRI reveals nothing serious.
“Hopefully we’ll figure out what’s wrong,” Stapleton said, “and I’ll get back out on the field.”
Stapleton started the final 15 games at right guard a year ago, and the 6-3, 305-pounder is trying to hold off challenges from Trai Essex and rookie Kraig Urbik for his job. He had been playing center at the beginning of camp with Justin Hartwig limited because of a bad toe.
Stapleton, however, has not practiced the last couple of days and said he is getting a little frustrated. When asked if he could have a serious injury, Stapleton shrugged his shoulders.
“I’m not a doctor,” he said. “I can’t tell.”
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August 6, 2009 at 11:58 am
To be honest, I really want to see what Essex and Urbik bring to the table during this pre-season. Not that I wish ill-will on Stapleton becasue I thought he did a good job last season when he played. He was an absolute upgrade over Simmons! Its amazing to me that a man of Trai Essex size and the fact that the team has kept him around, that he has never really contended for a starting position. Maybe he is better suited as a guard and not a tackle? Urbik is the wild-card in all this. Can the kid crack the starting line-up? I think all things being said, barring injury, the opening day line-up will be the same as the Super Bowl.If Stapleton is hurt, then I expect Essex to start with Urbik breathing down his neck. Not a stretch of a prediction, but its what I think