One of the basic principles for roster construction for the Pittsburgh Steelers is that you have to carry at least six defensive linemen, even if you only dress five on Sundays. With three defensive linemen on the Reserve/Injured List this season, however, this principle was tested and tossed aside, the team now relying upon just five for as long as that group can stay healthy.
The big injury in the group came of course to Stephon Tuitt, their high-performance, high-compensation defensive end, who was looking to be set up for the best season of his career before suffering a season-ending injury early in the sixth game of the year.