December 23, 2008 Marvel Smith has been placed on season-ending injured reserve by the Steelers due to his ailing back, according to the Sports Network. The club signed offensive tackle Jason Capizzi from the Rams' practice squad as the adjoining move.
Our View:This is a tough loss for the Steelers as Smith was a solid starter at left tackle, and Max Starks is merely adequate as his replacement.
December 21, 2008 Steelers inactives: QB Dennis Dixon (3rd), T Marvel Smith, DE Orpheus Roye, DT Scott Paxson, T Tony Hills, DB Fernando Bryant, FS Anthony Smith, LB Bruce Davis.
Our View:Linebacker James Harrison (foot), free safety Troy Polamalu (foot) and linebacker LaMarr Woodley (knee) are all active and will start.
December 20, 2008 Marvel Smith will miss his 10th straight game Sunday at Tennessee due to his ailing back, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View:Max Starks will start another game at left tackle, hence weakening the Steelers' offensive line.
December 10, 2008 Marvel Smith has been ruled out for Week 15 due to his nagging back ailment, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
Our View:Max Starks will make his ninth straight start at left tackle in Smith's absence.
December 7, 2008 Steelers inactives: QB Dennis Dixon (3rd), DB Fernando Bryant, LB Bruce Davis, T Tony Hills, NT Scott Paxson, T Marvel Smith, DE Orpheus Roye, DE Brett Keisel.
Our View:Ben Roethlisberger (knee), Willie Parker (knee) and safety Troy Polamalu (calf) are all active and will start.
