By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
With Lawrence Timmons missing practice for the third straight day on Tuesday, Keyaron Fox is expected to start at right inside linebacker against the Titans on Thursday night.
This will be Fox's first start with the Steelers after emerging as a special teams standout last year, earning him the honor of being one of the special teams captains this season.
Fox's first start will come on a huge stage, in front of a national television audience in the NFL's first game of the 2009 season.
"I am not nervous," said the confident Fox. "I am excited. It is my first start with the Steelers. I am very excited and look forward to Thursday night.
"I am looking forward to it. I have a lot of family coming up. Both sides of my family are from Tennessee so it's a big game for them as well."
Fox, who finished second in special teams tackles last season with a career-high 21, isn't worried about their being a drop off with him in the lineup for Timmons.
"I am hoping to excel out there on the field," said Fox. "I have been overemphasizing, learning the minute details of my game at that position. Hopefully when the game comes it will be second nature.
"I have to just play solid football, do my assignments and let the defense work itself out."
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Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has liked what he has seen of return specialist Stefan Logan in the preseason and is looking for more of it this season.
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"Now every time he catches the ball I am holding my breath," said Roethlisberger. "You don't know what he is going to do. It's a great feeling as an offense and quarterback. You never know. He could go for a touchdown or get you 20 yards. It's going to be exciting."
