Mike Adams injury opens door for other on Steelers’ offensive line
Even with their lack of experience, the 2013 Pittsburgh Steelers’ young offensive line is projected to be their best since the days of Marvel Smith, Jeff Hartings and Alan Faneca.
Predicted starters:
LT Marcus Gilbert
LG Ramon Foster
C Maurkice Pouncey
RG David DeCastro
RT Mike Adams
Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Kelvin Beachum (68) calls a play during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The future of the line was thrown into sudden doubt early Saturday morning due to the stabbing of Adams outside his South Side home. While Adams is already talking recovery over Twitter, the process of repairing the soft tissues in the abdomen is at least a two-month process. If he comes back too quickly, Adams increases his chances of further tissue tears or a sports hernia.
Adams’ injury likely opens the door once again for all-purpose lineman Kelvin Beachum. Beachum’s versatility earned him a roster spot last season. Sitting behind two former Round 2 tackles, the seventh rounder got his chance after Adams injured his ankle in Week 12. His first start versus the sack-happy Ravens with the old man Charlie Batch under center fared well; he gave up just one sack on a missed assignment.
Beachum totaled five starts over seven games. He allowed just 2.5 sacks. The 6-foot-3, 303-pound lineman is short compared to 6-7 Mike Adams and 6-6 Marcus Gilbert. But Beachum’s 79 1/4-inch wingspan fits the criteria for an NFL tackle. Typically scouts consider 80 inches to be the perfect wingspan for the position.
While Adams did receive the “Mean” Joe Greene rookie of the year award last winter, his rookie season was rocky at times. In six starts over 10 games, Adams allowed seven sacks. He struggled to identify his assignment in pass blocking at times, although his overall grade in run blocking was much better.
At the very least, Beachum provides a nice stopgap so Adams can make a complete recovery from his latest serious injury. Unfortunately for Adams, he continues to provide Beachum with opportunities for more playing time.