It's been three games since the Steelers have had to make a change to their starting offensive line, but if it comes to that again on Sunday, Ben Roethlisberger will remain unfazed.
"Next guy ready to go," Roethlisberger said.
The likely "next guy" on Sunday against the Saints is offensive tackle Mike Adams.
Starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert showed up on the practice report this week as a limited participant on Wednesday (ankle), and as not having participated on Thursday (ankle). Gilbert didn't participate for a second consecutive day today, which serves as another indication Adams will get the call for the New Orleans game.
"Yeah, I think so," Adams said. "I'm looking forward to getting a chance to go play."
Gilbert officially was listed by the Steelers as questionable.
Mike has stepped up before," Roethlisberger said. "(Guard/center) Cody Wallace can step up. I have confidence in any of those guys. If their number is called, they'll step up and be more than capable."
Adams was that when last making a start in Gilbert's place.
After having replaced Gilbert (ankle) early in the second quarter and then finishing the game on Oct. 20 against Houston, Adams started on Oct. 26 against Indianapolis.
The offense exploded for 42 points in a 51-34 victory over the Colts (the Steelers also scored on a pick-six and a safety). The outburst included Roethlisberger setting Steelers records for completions (40), passing yards (522) and passing touchdowns (six). He wasn't sacked in 49 passing attempts.
Adams was ready then and maintained he'll be ready again.
"Same as every week, you have to prepare like you're the one playing," he said. "I'll do what I always do, be ready if they call my name. If (Gilbert) can't play I'll be ready to go.
"Coaches harp on that from the moment you start playing football. If you're not the starter you have to be ready to play in case something happens."
The Steelers grant the wish of a young Steelers fan from Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Adams opened last season as the starting left tackle but was replaced by Kelvin Beachum after the Steelers fell to 0-4 with a 34-27 loss to Minnesota on Sept. 29 in London.
Adams made five starts thereafter as a third tight end and a sixth at left tackle when Beachum was sidelined by a knee injury for the Dec. 8 game against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field.
"Last year was tough circumstances, but I'm not worried about last year," Adams said. "I'm worried about this week, this game."
STATUS REPORT
OUT: CB Cortez Allen (thumb), NT Steve McLendon (shoulder).
QUESTIONABLE: Gilbert (ankle), LB Ryan Shazier (ankle).
PROBABLE: WR Martavis Bryant (illness), DE Brett Keisel (not injury related), TE Heath Miller (not injury related), SS Troy Polamalu (not injury related), CB Ike Taylor (forearm), S Shamarko Thomas (hamstring).
