Marcus Gilbert is optimistic regarding what the Steelers might have available along the offensive line at New England.
"I expect all guys to get back, especially (David) DeCastro, who has been busting his tail in rehab," Gilbert said today.
Offensive coordinator Todd Haley wasn't as optimistic as Gilbert, but nor was Haley discouraged.
"We're still working through it," he said after practice today. "Ramon (Foster) was out there. That was a good sign. I don't know that he's out of the woods yet. We gotta have everybody ready, obviously, as things have gone."
The Steelers started last Sunday's game against the Raiders with Kelvin Beachum at left tackle, Foster at left guard, Fernando Velasco at center, DeCastro at right guard, and Gilbert at right tackle.
They lost Foster (concussion), DeCastro (ankle), and Guy Whimper (knee) during the course of the Raiders game and finished with an offensive line consisting of, from left to right, Mike Adams, Beachum, Velasco, Cody Wallace, and Gilbert.
Guy Whimper and Wallace played left guard in between Foster starting and Beachum finishing there.
"It was a scramble again and some of those scrambles were happening during series, which always makes it interesting," Haley said. "I thought Cody Wallace came in and did a real good job when he probably wasn't really thinking he had a chance to play a whole bunch.
"That's a wake-up call for everybody on the roster. Just because you're out here and you may be on the show team right now (in practice), you could be playing in front of a lot of people pretty quick.
"I thought Mike (Adams) went in and did a good job, which is what we expect from him. He didn't get a lot of reps out there (in practice prior to the Raiders game). All his reps for the most part were at tight end and when he had to go in at tackle he did a good job there and that's his job."
DeCastro did not participate in practice for the second consecutive day today. Foster and Whimper were listed as having participated fully.
"Just taking my time with it," Foster said. "It's one of those things you can't be too cautious about. The last call will be up to the doctors. I've already taken a test and everything. I think I might have to take it one more time before the game, but as far as me taking it, so far it's been really good.
"I did a little bit more today and I felt fine. It's all a matter of what they say on Sunday afternoon."
