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Pittsburgh Steelers: Looking At The Depth Chart For Opener Against Browns

ByLarry Snyder

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Aug 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver

Antonio Brown

(84) makes a leaping catch in front of Philadelphia Eagles linebacker

Marcus Smith

(90) during the second half of a game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

As the 2014 season opener approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers released their first depth chart since setting their 53-man roster this weekend.

With a highly-anticipated matchup with the Browns set for Sunday, there are some interesting points to observe on who is where in the scheme of things.

When the offense takes the field, starting wide receiverAntonio Brownwill be backed up by 2013 sixth-round draft pickJustin Brown, withDarrius Heyward-Bey, the former Oakland Raider and Indianapolis Colt, listed third.

Second-year wideoutMarkus Wheatonlaid claim to a starting job during the preseason, and could be a difference-maker against Cleveland if Browns cornerbackJoe Hadenshadows Brown. The Oregon State product hasLance Mooreand Martavis Bryant behind him, butMooreis working through a leg injury.

Among the nine offensive lineman on the roster,Mike Adams, who many thought was on the bubble in training camp, is listed as the backup to left tackleKelvin Beachumand right tackleMarcus Gilbert. 2014 fifth-round draft pick Wesley Johnson from Vanderbilt is third on the depth chart for left tackle, left guard and center.

More from Ben Roethlisberger

Meanwhile, lining up for the defense will be right defensive endCam Thomas, withBrett Keisel, the 13-season veteran, as his backup, with 2014 second-round draft pick Stephon Tuitt as backup toCameron Heywardat left defensive end.

At outside linebacker,Arthur Moatswill backup bothJason WorildsandJarvis Jonesat to begin the season. It is expected thatTerence Garvincan handle the job as a swing inside/outside linebacker.

For the first time under head coach Mike Tomlin, there are 11 defensive backs on the roster. Former sixth-round draft pick of the Houston TexansBrice McCainwill serve behind right cornerbackIke Taylorwith second-year proB.W. Webbthird on the depth chart. On the other side of the field,Cortez Allenis the starting left cornerback withWilliam Gayas the No. 2 andAntwon Blakelisted third.

Matthew Marczi ofSteelersDepot.comnoted that Webb was added off waivers a couple of days ago in case McCain’s groin injury merits being put on the Injured Reserve-Designated To Return List.

Over on special teams, 2014 third-round draft pick Dri Archer is the No. 1 kickoff returner. However, the Kent State product is behind Brown as the lead punt returner. Tomlin believes the 5-foot-10 Central Michigan product can still handle the double-duty as he made the Pro Bowl last season as both a punt returner and wide receiver. Brown averaged 12.8 yards per return last season.

Brad Wing won the punting job by default, so it will be interesting to see how long a shelf life he has if he falters in the early going this season. Where have you gone,Bobby Walden?

From The Clipboard:When the Pittsburgh Steelers take the field on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, they will be wearing a “CHN” decal commemoratingChuck Nollon the back of their helmets.

This Sunday will beChuck NollDay at Heinz Field, and as part of a season-long commemoration of his coaching career, not only will the players wear the decals, but the coaches will wear pins. Both, the decals and the pins will be worn throughout the 2014 season.

The players elected their team captains for the 2014 season and they includeBen Roethlisbergeras the offensive captain andTroy Polamaluon defense. Special teams will be represented by safetyRobert Goldenand placekickerShaun Suisham.

It is the first time for Polamalu, Golden and Suisham to serve the team in this capacity.