Bryant

McFadden

Taking over Bryant McFadden’s starting job, Gay had a nice bounce-back season before allowing a 30-yard TD to Eddie Royal in the playoff loss. The Steelers are impressed with nickel corner Keenan Lewis, though, and may look to expand his role with Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen entering in sub-packages. McFadden is not expected back.

Combined, the moves give the cap-strapped Steelers $3,537,500 more to work with in terms of base salary. McFadden, 30, plummeted down the depth chart in 2011, falling behind Ike Taylor, William Gay, and Keenan Lewis. He could resurface as a nickel or dime back elsewhere, but has been picked on frequently in recent seasons. The 32-year-old Battle was only a special teams player.

Kemoeatu turned in a disastrous season while playing through a nagging knee injury, and Scott lost his job to rookie Marcus Gilbert. At $25 million over the cap -- according to team president Art Rooney II -- the Steelers can save $2.4 million on Kemoeatu, $2.2 million on Scott, and $2.5 million on McFadden. NT Casey Hampton (partially torn ACL) and ILB James Farrior are also on the bubble.

McFadden is officially questionable, but the Steelers are strongly considering going with either Keenan Lewis or William Gay opposite Ike Taylor after McFadden practiced “sparingly” on Friday. McFadden missed the entire preseason with a groin injury before coming down with his hamstring ailment.

McFadden will suit up, but DC Dick LeBeau suggested a nagging hamstring injury has affected his quality of play. Ike Taylor will likely shadow Reggie Wayne, as he’s been covering the opponent’s top receiver going back to last season.

William Gay will draw another start, with Keenan Lewis sending him to the slot in nickel packages. The Texans’ aerial attack will represent a stiffer test than the Colts did last week.

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.

McFadden has practiced for three weeks and his hamstring injury is no longer an issue, but he’s still being replaced by William Gay and Keenan Lewis. Pittsburgh’s 157.5 passing yards per game leads the NFL, so McFadden won’t be getting his job back any time soon.

Doug Legursky will switch sides to left guard while Ramon Foster starts a second straight game at right guard. The Steelers will continue with the combination of William Gay and Keenan Lewis opposite shadow corner Ike Taylor.

William Gay and Joe Burnett appear set for backup roles. McFadden, who the Steelers acquired in a draft-day trade, is the heavy favorite. The Steelers would be better off if Lewis was a nickel back.