A little bit of this, and a little bit of that as the Steelers prepare to take on the Cleveland Browns.No rest:
Coach Mike Tomlin made it no secret that he plans on resting several players this week, including Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger.
But Darrius Heyward-Bey is someone who is looking forward to getting some snaps, after being inactive for five games due to a foot injury, and seeing just limited action last week against the Ravens."For me personally, it's always important to get back on the field," said Heyward-Bey. "I definitely want to get the physical reps. I want to go out there and get hit a little bit, get a little dirty. I am excited to play. It's going to be a good football game. We have a run to make in the playoffs. To get a game underneath your belt and get acclimated back to playing football is important. As a team, no matter what, it's about getting a win. That is important."
Heyward-Bey said he is feeling a lot better, but like anybody when Week 17 rolls around there are always going to be aches and pains.
"I am football ready," said Heyward-Bey. "Nobody is 100 percent right now. You just have to go out there and give it your all. It's all about heart this time of year."Ready if needed:
Another player who is more than willing to take some reps if needed is Le'Veon Bell. Williams missed seven games this season with a knee injury, also returning last week against the Ravens but not getting any carries.
"It's whatever I can do to help our team win," said Williams. "If it involves me getting snaps, then I will take those snaps. If it involves me not getting snaps, then I am okay with that too. Whatever it takes for us to win and put another 'W' in the win column that is what I am for."
While he doesn't feel the need to play to prepare for the playoffs, he said if it gives the coaches peace of mind seeing him run the ball then it's all good.
"It would help the coaches and the organization from the standpoint that I had surgery, I am coming back from surgery, this guy still has it," said Williams. "It's not like they lost belief in me, it's just to reassure them I am still that same guy." * Hey Bud: *
Rookie Johnny Maxey got a shout out from Coach Mike Tomlin after last Sunday's win over the Ravens for stepping up after being activated just a day before. But Maxey didn't get the same love from Steelers' fans prior to the game.
When Maxey came out, the fans all were yelling to him, 'Hey Bud,' thinking it was Bud Dupree. Maxey was laughing, but after the game smiling when it all changed.
"The funny thing is when I was walking out to my car and I was with my family, I told them watch, they are going to say, 'Hey Bud, can you come sign this,'" said Maxey. "But they knew my name then. That was something special. It was something to laugh at afterwards."They said it:
Ramon Foster on Landry Jones who will start at quarterback:*
"The thing you have to like about him now is he is cool. He is very cool about what he is doing. He is calm about it. Being in the same system that will do it for you. For him it's just about opportunity. It's him, it's his show. I want to see him flourish." *
