Brett

Keisel

Keisel is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Colts. The Steelers will likely err on the side of caution as they can beat Indy at far less than full strength. Look for Ziggy Hood to get the start.

Keisel may miss practice time, but will likely be able to give it a go next Sunday night against the Colts. If he can’t, Ziggy Hood will take his place at right end. Keisel has missed 12 games with injury since the beginning of the 2008 season.

Ziggy Hood will get the start in his place. Keisel should be able to return for Pittsburgh’s Week 4 visit to Houston.

Keisel missed two games earlier in the year with a knee injury, but was his usual productive self when on the field, tallying three sacks, two forced fumbles and 48 tackles in 14 games. Soon to be 34, Keisel has missed 14 of a possible 64 games the past four seasons.

Keisel has missed 14 games the past four years and is due $2.8 million entering his age-34 campaign, but he remains a part of Pittsburgh’s plans. Among Steelers veterans the Post-Gazette believes could be shown the door are NT Casey Hampton, DE Aaron Smith, CB Bryant McFadden, ILB James Farrior and ILB Larry Foote.

Any high ankle-sprain is concerning, but the injury appears to be of the minor variety. Keisel will likely be in a race to get healthy for the regular season. Cameron Heyward will get an extended look in his absence.

Talented backup Ziggy Hood is picking snaps with Keisel out. The Seahawks have crossed mid-field just once in the entire game, so Keisel won’t be missed in a 24-0 blowout. Keisel did get a precautionary MRI, but said following the game that the injury isn’t serious. The early diagnosis is a sprained PCL.

Keisel missed the last two games, and Ziggy Hood struggled mightily as a run defender in his absence. Hood will now kick over to left end, replacing Aaron Smith (foot). Chris Johnson does not have a prohibitive Week 5 matchup.

Replacement LT Trai Essex was a swinging gate in Week 4. Scott isn’t much of an improvement, but the Steelers will take whatever help they can get. Keisel’s return is good news with Aaron Smith nursing a mid-foot sprain.

“It’s definitely possible,” Keisel said. “It’s not a secret that I’m one of the older guys on the team, the oldest guy on the defense.” Coming off a 4.5-sack season, Keisel is once again expected to hold off Cam Heyward for Pittsburgh’s starting right end gig. His 40 hurries led the team last season. Going on 35, Keisel isn’t signed beyond 2013.