Steelers ink Bloom to practice squad
December 31st, 2007 by Neal CoolongIt seems as if the Steelers management wasn’t all that thrilled with Willie Reid’s return game Sunday, either.
The Denver Post is reporting that the Steelers signed former Colorado standout return man Jeremy Bloom to their practice squad.
The Post is saying Bloom will practice with the team through this week, but it isn’t likely he will be activated for Saturday night’s playoff game against Jacksonville.
It does mean, however, that Bloom is likely to be on the Steelers training camp roster.
JJ Cooper of AOL added this:
The Steelers brought Bloom in to interview before the 2006 draft and were predicted to draft the former Colorado star by several mock drafts. They opted to draft Reid in the third round instead, while Bloom fell to the Eagles in the fifth round.
Reid lost one fumble and nearly gave away another one in Sunday’s 27-21 loss at Baltimore. He was replacing veteran Allen Rossum, who was out with an injury.
Rossum is expected back Saturday, but it’s not as if he’s drawing Hesterian reviews anyway. Rossum averages among the bottom of the league in kick and punt returns. Finding a solid return man is clearly a priority for the Steelers this off-season.
Posted in Steelers News |
December 31st, 2007 at 9:12 pm
bloom?? whoa. prove me wrong jeremy!
I think it serves two purposes. 1. They need to bring in someone to challenge the incumbents. We knew there was no way Rossum or Reid were just going to be given return duties next season. Considering the injuries and the open roster spots that came as a result, it’s a good time to sign him. 2. It lights a fire under Rossum and Reid’s collective ass, especially considering the Steelers chose Reid over Bloom in the draft, and Rossum only has a two-year deal (I believe). Plus, I wanted this guy coming out of college because he has very similar traits in the return game to a guy like Wes Welker. I’m not looking for the next Devin Hester, nor am I making the comparison to Welker because they’re both fearless, short white guys (ok, maybe I am), but the fact is both simply field the kick, and run up field. You don’t see them moving laterally a whole lot. If it’s only six yards, then fine. That’s on the coverage and the blocking. Rossum and Reid (and El, for that matter) run horizontally, lose their momentum and open themselves up for big, fumble-causing hits. Frankly, I’m sick of watching each return in every game with bated breath.
December 31st, 2007 at 9:50 pm
Return man need, huh? Agreed but it’s a shame because there are bigger more glaring needs such as pocket pusher, big game receiver, complimentary back, OFFENSIVE LINE…Oh yeah, last on my list is a stinking return man!
January 1st, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Please address the O-LINE! I’m tired of watching Ben run for his life. Anyone pick up on the protection that Batch was getting though? Hopefully that’s a sign of things to come Saturday night.
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:32 am
To Andy: if Batch (a pocket QB) is getting better protection than Roethlisberger (a scrambling QB) then it is because Roethlisberger is moving around too much instead of just stepping up, to the side, etc.
Also Steelercooz…is this irony or what?
I had been waiting for a comment from you…very nicely played.
January 10th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
I know you have, Cooz…