Max Starks was cut before the regular season began, but after dropping 60lbs since he now finds himself competing for a starting spot on the Steelers offensive line.
The Steelers have signed seven-year veteran Max Starks, and Starks will be on the practice field this afternoon. The casualty of the Starks signing is second year man, Chris Scott. He has been waived.
There has definitely been an outcry from fans and analysts to add someone to the Steelers’ dinged up offensive line. What kind of impact Starks will have remains to be seen.
Max showed up to training camp hovering right around the 400-pound mark, which made him an easy candidate to be cut before the start of the regular season. Reports claim that Starks is now down to a more reasonable 345 pounds.
It’s relieving to see that the Steelers front office realized that they had to do something with the men up front. As mentioned in the Week 4 preview, it was hard to imagine the Steelers going through the remaining 13 games without making a move to give the O-line some help.
It is important to note that a report from the Post-Gazette claims that Starks is not being brought in to be an immediate starter, but more so to provide depth. While depth is needed on the line; it is safe to say that Starks will at least make a heavy push for a starting spot.
Head coach Mike Tomlin mentioned in his press conference yesterday that starting left tackle Jonathon Scott is expected to be back this against the Titans. Doug Legursky could also return this week.
There is a lot of shuffling going on this week, and much uncertainty. A lot of what we will see on Sunday will be determined during practice throughout the week.
As of now here’s ones best guess at the line for Sunday
LT- Jonathon Scott
LG- Chris Kemoeatu
C- Maurkice Pouncey
RG- Doug Legursky
RT- Marcus Gilbert
Starks is currently listed as number two on the Steelers depth chart behind Jonathon Scott. This points to the fact that the Steelers are sticking with rookie Marcus Gilbert on the right tackle spot.
If Scott and Legursky don’t go on Sunday we could see Starks at the left tackle spot and Ramon Foster at right guard to fill the holes.
There is a lot going on this week for an offensive line that desperately needs to elevate their play for this offense to begin to find any success.
